The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released its final list of candidates for the June 20, 2026 bye-elections, clearing former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, and other high-profile contenders across senatorial, federal, and state constituencies. The polls, triggered by deaths, appointments, and vacancies, are expected to test party strength ahead of future national elections.
By A1NEWS International | June 9, 2026
Abuja, Nigeria – The Independent National Electoral Commission has formally published the final list of qualified candidates for the upcoming legislative bye-elections scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.
The announcement, contained in an official document signed by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, confirms the conclusion of candidate validation processes across multiple constituencies affected by legislative vacancies.
The elections will fill seats in four senatorial districts, one federal constituency, and a state assembly seat, setting the stage for tightly contested political battles involving Nigeria’s major political parties.
HIGH-STAKES SENATORIAL CONTESTS TAKE SHAPE
Nasarawa North: Maku Returns to the Ballot
One of the most closely watched contests is in Nasarawa North Senatorial District, where former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, is contesting under the Labour Party.
He faces stiff opposition from Emmanuel David Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party, Halilu Danladi Envwulu-Aza of the APC, and John Paul Araneshri of the NNPP.
The seat became vacant following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, opening a competitive race with significant political implications in the North-Central region.
Rivers South East: Multi-Party Battle Emerges
In Rivers South East Senatorial District, triggered by the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi, the PDP has nominated Nwogu Olaka Johnson, a doctoral degree holder.
He will contest against:
- Osarosaka Ebenezer Erewari (APC)
- Sam Kinanee Barikpoa (Labour Party)
- Douglas Fabeeke Beeka (Action Alliance)
The district is expected to witness intense rivalry, reflecting broader political tensions in Rivers State.
Ondo South: Medical Expert Enters Race
The Ondo South Senatorial District seat, left vacant after Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, will see a multi-party contest.
The APC has fielded medical professional Faduyile Francis Adedayo, who will compete against candidates from smaller parties including:
- Boot Party: Nejo Funso Clement
- APM: Akinwumi Adeolu Harrison
- APP: Adesanya Olaoluwa
Enugu North: Three-Way Contest After Vacancy
In Enugu North Senatorial District, following the death of Senator Okey Ezea, INEC cleared:
- Asogwa Ikeje Israel (APC)
- Ezeme Nestor Chika (PDP)
- Aneke Kingsley Chukwuebuka (Boot Party)
The race is shaping up as a three-way contest between Nigeria’s dominant political blocs in the South-East.
HOUSE OF REPS AND STATE ASSEMBLY RACES
Kano Federal Constituency: Youthful Contestants Emerge
For the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State, created by the death of Hon. Muhammad Danjuma Hassan, INEC cleared:
- Rabiu Shuaibu (APC, 33)
- Abubakar Yahaya Muhammad (Labour Party, 38)
- Lawan Garba Haruna (APM)
The contest is expected to highlight generational shifts in voter preferences.
Kebbi State Assembly: Direct Face-Off
In the Zuru State Constituency bye-election, the race is a straight duel between:
- Garba Aiki Rabiu (APC)
- Aliyu Galadima Muhammad (Labour Party, 69)
The outcome is expected to reflect local political alignments in Kebbi State.
INEC ASSURES LOGISTICAL READINESS
INEC has confirmed that preparations for the elections are in advanced stages, including operational planning, logistics deployment, and voter management systems across affected states.
Resident Electoral Commissioners have also commenced training of ad-hoc staff, including National Youth Service Corps members who will serve as polling officials.
The commission urged political parties and candidates to adhere strictly to electoral guidelines, emphasizing peaceful campaigns and compliance with the Electoral Act.
ANALYSIS: TEST OF PARTY STRENGTH AHEAD OF FUTURE POLLS
Political observers view the bye-elections as more than routine replacements, describing them as early indicators of shifting voter sentiment across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
The participation of high-profile candidates such as Labaran Maku and other seasoned politicians adds national weight to what would otherwise be localized contests.
As INEC releases its final candidate list, attention now shifts to the campaigns and eventual polls on June 20, 2026.
With multiple senatorial seats, a federal constituency, and a state assembly position at stake, the bye-elections are expected to serve as a critical barometer of party strength, voter sentiment, and electoral credibility in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
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