The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced the date for the much-anticipated 2025 bye-elections. In a notice shared via its verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Commission declared that elections will be conducted on Saturday, August 16, 2025, in sixteen (16) federal constituencies, state constituencies, and senatorial districts across twelve (12) states of the federation.
The announcement, issued in compliance with Section 28(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022, sets the stage for a critical democratic exercise aimed at filling vacant seats and strengthening Nigeria’s representative governance structure.
According to the notice, voting will commence at 8:30 a.m. at designated polling units in the affected constituencies. INEC emphasized that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be used for the accreditation of voters, in line with its commitment to ensuring transparency and credibility in the electoral process.
Key Guidelines for Voters:
Only individuals whose names appear on the official register of voters and who possess a valid Permanent Voter Card (PVC) will be allowed to vote.
Voters must cast their ballots at the polling units where they are registered.
No PVC, No Voting – a strict policy aimed at curbing electoral fraud and ensuring only legitimate voters participate.
The Commission urged Nigerians to prepare for the bye-elections, which are expected to be pivotal in shaping political dynamics in the affected constituencies.
> “INEC: Making Your Vote Count … Consolidating Our Democracy,” the statement concluded, reinforcing the Commission’s dedication to deepening democratic values.
The bye-elections are expected to draw intense political interest, as parties scramble to gain or retain legislative seats. Citizens are therefore encouraged to participate actively, peacefully, and responsibly to ensure their voices are heard and their votes count.
SIGNED: INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC)
PIONEER NEWS 