INEC Sets September 19 For Bauchi By-Elections, Releases Full Timetable

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the timetable for the September 19, 2026, by-elections in the Sakwa State Constituency of Zaki Local Government Area and Disina State Constituency of Shira Local Government Area in Bauchi State.

According to IREPORTERONLINE, the two seats became vacant under different circumstances. The Sakwa constituency seat was declared vacant following the death of its former occupant, while the lawmaker representing Disina resigned to contest for a chairmanship position.

INEC announced the schedule during a stakeholders’ meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Electoral Security and representatives of political parties held on Friday.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Bauchi State, Umar Ibrahim, called on political parties, candidates, security agencies and other stakeholders to work closely with the commission to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.

The electoral timetable commenced with the publication of the Notice of Election on August 20, 2026, in the affected constituencies.

According to the schedule, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries and resolve disputes arising from the exercises between August 21 and 25.

Campaign activities are scheduled to commence on September 9 and end on September 17, two days before the by-elections.

Ibrahim urged political parties and their candidates to pay close attention to the deadlines and comply fully with the provisions of the law and the commission’s timetable.

He assured residents of Sakwa and Disina that INEC was committed to conducting a free, fair, transparent, credible and peaceful election.

The REC, however, stressed that achieving the objective would require the cooperation and commitment of all stakeholders involved in the electoral process.

The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, also pledged the police command’s support for other security agencies in maintaining peace before, during and after the elections.

Aliyu said security agencies would conduct a comprehensive assessment of the constituencies to identify potential threats and develop appropriate measures to address emerging security challenges.

He appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to cooperate with security agencies and avoid activities capable of disrupting the electoral process.