The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Bauchi State has commenced preparations for the by-elections scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026, to fill vacancies in two state constituencies of Sakwa in the Zaki Local Government Area and Disina in the Shira Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The Sakwa seat became vacant following the death of its former member, while the member representing Disina resigned to contest for a chairmanship position.
At a stakeholders’ meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Electoral Security and representatives of political parties, convened by the Commission to identify potential challenges and develop strategies for ensuring successful and peaceful elections, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Umar Ibrahim, unveiled the timetable for the elections.
He appealed to stakeholders to continue cooperating with the Commission to provide a safe and secure environment for voters, candidates, election officials, election materials, party agents and other stakeholders.
The REC presented the timetable of activities, beginning with the publication of the Notice of Election on August 20, 2026, in the affected constituencies. Other major activities include the conduct of party primaries and the resolution of disputes arising from them between August 21 and 25, 2026. Campaigns are scheduled to commence on September 9 and end on September 17, 2026.
“I urge all political parties and their candidates to take particular note of these timelines and ensure strict compliance with the applicable law and the Commission’s timetable,” Ibrahim said.
Assuring the electorate of the Commission’s commitment to a credible process, the REC said, “The Commission remains committed to conducting free, fair, credible, transparent and peaceful bye-elections in the Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies. This objective, however, can only be achieved through the collective commitment of all stakeholders.”
The Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, pledged the command’s cooperation with sister security agencies ahead of the elections.
Aliyu assured stakeholders that a risk assessment of the affected areas would be conducted to identify potential threats and address emerging security challenges.
