Abuja, Nigeria — Voters in 16 constituencies across 12 states are set to head to the polls on Saturday in by-elections widely seen as a litmus test for Nigeria’s major political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a total of 3,553,659 registered voters are expected to participate in the exercise, spread across 32 local government areas, 356 wards, and 6,987 polling units.
The Commission also confirmed that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidates would participate in the elections following a Federal High Court ruling.
Meanwhile, the coalition-led African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that INEC was under pressure to favour a particular party, urging the electoral body to use the polls as an opportunity to redeem its credibility.
“INEC must rise above external influence and conduct a transparent exercise to restore public confidence,” the ADC stated.
The by-elections have further deepened cracks within opposition parties, as Labour Party factional chairman Julius Abure accused former presidential candidate Peter Obi of switching allegiances after reports emerged that Obi urged supporters to back the ADC candidate.
The contests have seen intensified campaigns from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ADC-led coalition, Rabiu Kwankwaso’s New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and rival Labour Party factions, all seeking to demonstrate their political relevance.
Poll watchers note that the elections will decide two senatorial seats, five House of Representatives positions, and nine state constituencies across states including Anambra, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, Oyo, Adamawa, Kogi, Kano, Niger, Taraba, and Zamfara.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed that all logistical arrangements had been completed for the August 16 polls, with security agencies pledging adequate protection for voters and officials.
“We urge all stakeholders to strictly comply with the law, regulations, and guidelines to ensure a smooth process,” the Commission stated.
INEC also announced that Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will resume nationwide on August 18, with online pre-registration, followed by physical registration at 811 state and local government offices from August 25.
The by-elections, according to INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, became necessary due to vacancies created by resignations, deaths, and legal disputes since the inauguration of the National and State Assemblies in June 2023.
By Adeola Olaniya | August 16, 2025
Discover more from DnewsInfo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
