Gombe Federal Constituency By-Election Held Peacefully on Saturday

Residents of Gombe State participated in a federal by-election on Saturday, September 19, 2026, to select a new House of Representatives member for the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye constituency. The vote proceeded without significant disruption across 903 polling units spanning three local government areas, according to reports from multiple observers.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya cast his ballot at his polling unit and afterward remarked on the orderly nature of the exercise. The governor noted that voters had shown enthusiasm in participating and described the overall organisation of the election as satisfactory.

He attributed the positive atmosphere to the developmental programmes implemented during his tenure. However, accounts from observers on the ground revealed inconsistency in citizen participation.

While some polling stations recorded robust turnout, other voting centres experienced lower numbers of voters. This variation in engagement levels was noted across different wards and local government areas involved in the election.

The by-election was necessitated by the death of former lawmaker Yaya Bauchi Tongo, who represented the constituency in the National Assembly. Voting occurred between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on the scheduled date.

The exercise proceeded without reports of violence, intimidation, or major logistical failures at polling stations that were monitored by observers and state officials.