The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed Saturday, September 19, 2026, for the bye-election to fill the vacant Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
The vacancy arose following the death of Tongo Yaya, who represented the constituency in the National Assembly.
INEC announced the date on Tuesday in its timetable and schedule of activities for the election, saying the exercise would be conducted in line with the 1999 Constitution and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.
The timetable was signed by the commission’s Public Affairs Officer, Mohorret Bigun, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner.
According to the schedule, INEC will publish the Notice of Election on Thursday, August 20, formally setting the electoral process in motion.
Political parties wishing to participate in the contest are expected to conduct their primaries between August 21 and 25.
The commission said the final list of nominated candidates would be published on September 8, while campaigns would officially commence on September 9.
Campaign activities are expected to end on September 17, two days before voters go to the polls.
INEC urged political parties to comply strictly with the timetable and conduct all activities in accordance with the law.
“The Commission calls on all political parties to strictly adhere to the timetable and schedule of activities and conduct their activities in accordance with the provisions of the law,” the statement read in part.
The commission also assured parties, candidates and voters that it would provide a level playing field throughout the electoral process.
INEC said the bye-election would cover 903 polling units, 31 registration areas and three local government areas within the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency.
“The Commission further assures all stakeholders across the 903 Polling Units, 31 Registration Areas and 3 Local Government Areas that it remains committed to providing a level playing field for all political parties and candidates and to conducting a free, fair, and inclusive bye-election,” it said.
The electoral body also called on eligible voters in the constituency to participate actively in the process and exercise their civic responsibility peacefully.
With the timetable now released, attention will shift to the political parties as they begin the race to select candidates for a contest that will determine who completes the constituency’s representation in the House of Representatives.
