BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – In what political commentators are already describing as a test of strength for Nigeria’s major parties, voters in 16 constituencies across 12 states of the Federation will be heading to the polls tomorrow, Saturday, August 16, to slug it out in the scheduled by-elections.
This is as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that 3,553,659 registered voters are eligible to participate, spread across 32 local government areas, 356 wards, and 6,987 polling units.
Ahead of the scheduled polls, the three major parties, the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led Coalition, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have upped their game in the buildup across the affected states.
Also, not left out in sharpening their armouries for the battle ahead are the Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso-led New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the now factionalised Labour Party (LP).
Poll watchers and concerned civil society groups hinted that these parties are seeking to make waves and stamp their electoral relevance in filling two senatorial seats, five House of Representatives positions and nine state constituencies.
According to INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Sam Olumekun, all arrangements had been concluded for the polls, scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Olumekun, said the exercise would cover “two Senatorial Districts in Anambra and Edo States; five Federal Constituencies in Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun and Oyo States; and nine State Constituencies in Adamawa, Anambra, Kaduna (2), Kano, Kogi, Niger, Taraba and Zamfara States.”
The electoral umpire reminded political parties and candidates that campaigns end at midnight Thursday and urged all stakeholders “to adhere strictly to the provisions of the law, regulations, and guidelines” for a smooth process.
The statement also announced that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise would resume nationwide on Monday, August 18, with online pre-registration, followed by physical registration from August 25 at 811 INEC state and local government offices.
Recalled that the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, had, during the Commission’s second regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties for 2025 in June, disclosed that the by-elections were arranged due to deaths, resignations, and other vacancies declared since the inauguration of the National and State Assemblies in June 2023.
He said, “You may recall that in February last year, the commission conducted nine by-elections to fill vacancies resulting from the death or resignation of members,” Yakubu said. “Since then, more vacancies have been declared across the country.”
From the INEC’s schedule, the by-elections will hold in Anambra South and Edo Central senatorial districts; as well as Ovia South West/Ovia South East (Edo), Babura/Garki (Jigawa), Chikun/Kajuru (Kaduna), Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North (Ogun), and Ibadan North (Oyo) federal constituencies.
Others include: Ganye (Adamawa), Onitsha North I (Anambra), Dekina/Okura (Kogi), Zaria Kewaye and Basawa (Kaduna), Bagwai/Shanono (Kano), Mariga (Niger), Karim Lamido I (Taraba), and Kauran Namoda South (Zamfara) State constituencies.
Additionally, the Commission will conduct two court-ordered re-runs in Enugu South I (Enugu) and Ghari/Tsanyawa (Kano) after previous attempts were disrupted by violence.
Meanwhile, INEC has confirmed that there are assurances from security agencies of adequate protection for the fresh exercise.
Also, the INEC Chairman said 30,451 officials are being deployed nationwide, even as elections in Rivers’ Khana II and Zamfara’s Talata Mafara South constituencies remain suspended due to security and legal concerns.
‘INEC Under Pressure’ – ADC Cautions
With observers noting that Saturday’s contest could shape the tone for the 2027 general elections, ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, has tasked INEC to ensure a transparent process that could restore public trust in the nation’s electoral system.
Speaking ahead of the by-elections, Senator Mark described the Coalition-led ADC as a “child of necessity”, assuring that the Party is positioned to offer Nigerians an alternative.
The former Senate President also pleaded with security agencies to guarantee a level playing field for all political stakeholders.
He said, “All eyes are on the Commission to correct past errors that have tarnished its image”, urging supporters to comply with electoral laws but remain vigilant against all forms of intimidation.
“INEC’s challenge is not only to deliver a credible result but to do so under heightened political tension and intense scrutiny from parties, civil society, and voters alike”, the ADC Chairman sunmitted.
