Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has concluded arrangements for the conduct of the Ondo South Senatorial District bye-election scheduled for 20 June 2026, with electoral materials, personnel and security measures put in place.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Okitipupa, the headquarters of Ondo South Senatorial District in southwestern Ondo State, said the election became necessary following the appointment of former senator representing Ondo South, Jimoh Ibrahim, as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Agboke noted that the Senate declared the seat vacant on 28 April 2026 and directed the commission to conduct a bye-election in line with constitutional provisions.
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According to him, the poll will be held alongside other bye-elections across the country and the Ekiti State governorship election.
He also noted that the voter register for the six local government areas in the senatorial district, Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo, has been verified and updated ahead of the exercise.
Agboke disclosed that 673,446 registered voters are expected to participate in the election across 1,354 polling units and 66 registration areas, and non-sensitive election materials have already been distributed to the affected local government areas, while sensitive materials, including ballot papers and result sheets, will be deployed under the supervision of political parties and security agencies.
He further revealed that 1,359 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices have been tested and certified for use, with 264 backup machines set aside to address any technical challenges.
He urged political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully, warning that any attempt to undermine the electoral process would be met with appropriate sanctions.Four political parties are participating in the bye-election. Their candidates are Prof. Dayo Faduyile (APC), Adeolu Akinwumi (APM), Adesanya Olaoluwa (APP) and Nejo Funso Clement (Boot Party).
Agboke called on eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), turn out early on election day and exercise their civic responsibility peacefully.
