The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) unveiled the poll’s schedule at a stakeholders’ meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Electoral Security and representatives of political parties on Friday.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Umar Ibrahim, urged stakeholders to maintain their collaboration with the Commission in order to ensure a safe and secure environment for voters, candidates, election officials, election materials, party agents, and other involved parties.
The REC outlined the schedule of activities, starting with the announcement of the Notice of Election on August 20, 2026, in the relevant constituencies.
Key activities include the organization of party primaries and the resolution of any disputes that may arise from them, taking place between August 21 and 25, 2026. Campaigning is set to begin on September 9 and conclude on September 17, 2026, Naija News understands.
“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 by-elections in the Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies. This objective, however, can only be achieved through the collective commitment of all stakeholders.”
Also speaking at the meeting, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police (CP), Sani-Omolori Aliyu, pledged the cooperation of the police with other security agencies to ensure peaceful elections.
The CP assured political parties and other stakeholders that an assessment would be conducted to help security agencies identify potential threats and respond to emerging security challenges before and during the elections.
He urged stakeholders to also cooperate with sister security agencies and to avoid actions that could disrupt the electoral process.
