INEC Receives New National Commissioner, Sets June 20 for Bye-Elections
Oru Leonard
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received a new National Commissioner, Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (rtd.), and announced Saturday, June 20, 2026, as the date for the conduct of bye-elections in six states of the federation.
Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, disclosed this on Thursday during a brief ceremony at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja, held to formally receive the new appointee.
He stated that the bye-elections would be held concurrently with the Ekiti State Governorship Election scheduled for the same day.
According to him, the elections will fill senatorial vacancies in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers and Ondo States. In addition, a State House of Assembly seat in Kebbi State and a House of Representatives seat in Kano State will also be contested.
“We are going into some off-cycle elections very soon. The Ekiti State Governorship Election is scheduled for June 20, 2026. On the same date, the Commission will conduct bye-elections to fill vacant seats,” the INEC Chairman said.
“The senatorial seats declared vacant in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers and Ondo States will be filled, alongside the Kebbi State House of Assembly seat and the House of Representatives seat in Kano State,” he added.
Speaking on the newly sworn-in National Commissioner, Prof. Amupitan described Rear Admiral Malafa (rtd.) as a seasoned professional with vast experience in both military service and electoral administration.
He noted that she had previously contributed to the Commission’s operations, particularly in logistics, and also served as Director of Legal Services in the Nigerian Navy, bringing valuable administrative and legal expertise to her new role.
The Chairman reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to delivering credible and transparent elections in line with its constitutional mandate.
“Our responsibility is clear. We are committed to conducting elections into the offices of the President, National Assembly, Governors, State Houses of Assembly and Area Councils in a credible and transparent manner,” he said.
In her remarks, Malafa expressed gratitude for the warm reception and pledged to contribute meaningfully to the Commission’s work.
“I’m glad to be here and I thank you for the warm reception. I look forward to working with everyone for the development and stability of our country, and for the success of forthcoming elections,” she said.
The event was attended by National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, the Director-General of The Electoral Institute (TEI), senior officials, and family members of the new National Commissioner.
Cover Photo Caption: Centre; The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, left; Barr Mrs May Agbamuche- Mbu, Right; Rearear Admiral Jamila Malafa (rtd.)
