INEC Sets August 16 for National and State Assembly By-elections Across 12 States

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that by-elections into vacant seats in the National and State Assemblies will be conducted on Saturday, August 16, 2025. These elections will take place in 16 constituencies spread across 12 states, covering over 3.55 million registered voters. The commission said the vacancies resulted from resignations, deaths, or court orders.

According to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, party primaries are to be conducted between July 17 and 21, while nomination forms must be submitted from July 22 to 26. Campaigns are expected to begin on August 2 and will end 24 hours before the election. Over 30,000 officials will be deployed to 6,987 polling units in 32 Local Government Areas and 356 Registration Areas.

However, by-elections will not hold in Khana II (Rivers) and Talata Mafara South (Zamfara) due to insecurity and ongoing legal matters. Two court-ordered reruns in Kano and Enugu will also be conducted simultaneously. INEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and credible electoral processes.