The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled Saturday, 19 September 2026, for bye-elections into the Sakwa State Constituency of Zaki Local Government Area and the Disina State Constituency of Shira LGA in Bauchi State.
The State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Umar Ibrahim, announced the date on Wednesday at a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Electoral Security (ICCES) held at INEC’s office in Bauchi.
Ibrahim said the Sakwa constituency has five wards — Sakwa, Gumal, Murmur North, Murmur South and Alangawar/Kafi/Larabawa — with 100 polling units.
The Disina constituency also comprises five wards: Andubun, Sanbawal, Beli/Gagidiba, Zubo and Disina, with 95 polling units.
“The elections will hold on Saturday, 19th September 2026,” Ibrahim said.
According to the timetable released by the commission, the notice of election will be published on 20 August, while political party primaries and the resolution of disputes arising from them will take place between 21 and 25 August.
Online submission of nomination forms will open on 29 August and close at 11.59pm on 2 September. The Form EC9 and final list of candidates will be published on 8 September.
Ibrahim said 10 September would be the deadline for political parties to submit the names of their polling agents.
Campaigns will begin on 9 September and continue until 11.59pm on 17 September, two days before polling.
The REC urged political parties and candidates to comply with the commission’s timetable and relevant electoral laws.
He also appealed to security agencies and other members of ICCES to provide adequate protection for voters, candidates, election officials, materials, agents and other stakeholders.
Ibrahim urged political parties to conduct their campaigns peacefully and responsibly and ensure that their supporters comply with the law.
He further called on the media to support voter education and help tackle the spread of misinformation and disinformation ahead of the elections.
