INEC Holds By-elections Amid Calls for Legislative Reform

On September 19, 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted by-elections to fill five legislative vacancies across four states: Gombe, Kano, Bauchi, and Delta. The affected constituencies included Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency in Gombe, Dawakin Kudu State Constituency in Kano, Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies in Bauchi, and Udu State Constituency in Delta.

The vacancies arose from various circumstances, including the death of Yaya Bauchi Tongo in June 2026 and the resignation of a lawmaker in Bauchi. In Delta, Collins Egbetamah's defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) led to the vacancy.

Rabiu Shuaibu left the Dawakin Kudu seat to contest a federal constituency seat, which he won in June. Amid rising costs associated with conducting by-elections, there are calls for the National Assembly to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow for appointments to fill vacancies, similar to the U.S. model, which could stabilize the legislature and reduce electoral costs.