INEC fixes September 19 for Gombe bye-election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed September 19, 2026 as the date of the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency bye-election.

This election is necessary because of the recent demise of Honorable Yaya Bauchi Tongo, a Member of the House of Representatives representing the constituency.

According to a statement signed on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner by the Public Affairs Officer of the commission, Mr. Mohorret Bigun, the election will take place pursuant to Section 76(2) of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

According to the official schedule of activities, the Notice of Election will be officially published on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Political parties interested in sponsoring candidates for the vacant seat are required to conduct their primary elections between August 21 and August 25, 2026.

The Commission will publish the final list of nominated candidates on September 8, 2026, paving the way for official election campaigns to run from September 9 through September 17, 2026.

INEC urged all participating political parties to strictly adhere to the established timetable and ensure their activities remain within the confines of the law. 

Reassuring stakeholders of its readiness, the electoral body emphasized its commitment to providing a level playing field and delivering a free, fair, and inclusive election across the constituency’s 903 Polling Units, 31 Registration Areas, and 3 Local Government Areas.