INEC fixes August 16 for by-elections in 16 constituencies

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled bye-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states for August 16, 2025.

The announcement was made on Thursday by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during a meeting with leaders of registered political parties in Abuja.

According to Prof. Yakubu, the bye-elections would involve 3,553,659 registered voters and would take place in 32 Local Government Areas, 356 Wards, and 6,987 Polling Units.

A total of 30,451 officials are expected to be deployed in the exercise.

However, bye-elections will not be held in Khana II State Constituency in Rivers State due to the current state of emergency, and in Talata Mafara South Constituency in Zamfara State, where a legal dispute over the declared vacancy remains unresolved.

He outlined the election timetable, stating that political party primaries must be conducted between July 17 and 21, 2025, while submission of nomination forms via the INEC portal will be open from July 22 to 26, between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily. Campaigns will be permitted from August 2 to 14.

INEC also announced the resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) nationwide and preparations for the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 2025.

In Anambra, the CVR exercise will run from July 8 to 17, covering all 326 wards, operating daily—including weekends—from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The process will accommodate new registrants, voter transfers, and requests for replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

Existing PVCs will also be available for collection at registration centres.

At the national level, online pre-registration for CVR will begin on August 18, with in-person registration starting August 25 across INEC’s 37 state offices, the FCT, and all 774 Local Government Areas.

The National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, praised INEC’s preparations and reiterated IPAC’s commitment to democratic integrity.

He urged political stakeholders to respect the electoral process and called on INEC to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance transparency and voter participation, especially ahead of the Anambra election.

Dantalle also commended the Federal Government and INEC for the ongoing construction of a new headquarters annex, describing it as a vital boost to the Commission’s operations.

The meeting was attended by INEC National Commissioners, directors, and senior aides to the Commission’s leadership.