The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has described the bye-elections held across Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states as important operational tests ahead of the 2027 General Election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, said no election should be treated as routine, stressing that each poll gives the Commission an opportunity to assess its systems and improve its preparations.
Amupitan monitored Saturday’s elections from INEC’s National Situation Room at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, alongside National Commissioners and senior management officials.
The Commission conducted bye-elections in five legislative constituencies across the four states: Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency in Gombe State, Dawakin Kudu State Constituency in Kano, Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies in Bauchi, and Udu State Constituency in Delta. INEC’s official results portal lists all five September 19, 2026 contests.
INEC Chairman: Every Election Offers Lessons
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Adedayo Oketola, Amupitan said the four bye-elections would provide lessons for INEC as it develops its operational roadmap towards 2027.
“These four bye-elections provide indispensable operational lessons for the Commission as we systematically chart our roadmap toward the 2027 General Election,” Amupitan said.
He added that the exercises would allow INEC to audit its logistics, test its technology and assess the readiness of its field operations.
“We must resist the temptation to view any exercise as merely an ordinary by-election. Every election is a critical component of our broader preparations for the 2027 General Election,” he said.
Amupitan Highlights Situation Room Role
The INEC chairman said the National Situation Room was focused on monitoring developments from the field and resolving emerging operational issues.
According to him, administrative and field challenges identified before polling were promptly addressed.
“Our primary mandate in the Situation Room is monitoring and proactive crisis resolution,” Amupitan said.
He added that INEC would continue refining its processes so that subsequent elections meet higher standards of efficiency and public confidence.
The chairman also commended the officials and technical team in the Situation Room for supporting the monitoring of the multi-state elections.
INEC has separately identified its bye-elections and other electoral exercises as part of its preparations for the 2027 General Election.
