The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled Saturday, June 20, 2026, for the conduct of bye-elections across six states, coinciding with the Ekiti State Governorship Election, and finally recognised David Mark leadership in the ADC, with Aregbesola occupying the position of national secretary, Dr. Mani Ahmad as national treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as national financial secretary, and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor as national legal adviser.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, made this known during a brief ceremony at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, where a newly appointed National Commissioner, Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (rtd.), was formally received.
According to the Amupitan, the elections will fill vacant senatorial seats in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Ondo States, alongside a House of Assembly seat in Kebbi State and a House of Representatives seat in Kano State.
“We are going into some off-cycle elections very soon. The Ekiti Governorship Election is scheduled for June 20, 2026. On the same date, the Commission will conduct bye-elections to fill vacant seats,” he stated.
Prof. Amupitan described the new National Commissioner as an experienced professional with a strong background in both military service and electoral administration. He noted her prior contributions to INEC, particularly in logistics, as well as her role as Director of Legal Services in the Nigerian Navy.
Reaffirming INEC’s mandate, the Chairman emphasized the Commission’s commitment to credible, transparent, and inclusive elections across all levels of governance.
In her remarks, Rear Admiral Malafa (rtd.) expressed appreciation for her appointment and pledged to support the Commission’s objectives.
“I look forward to working with everyone for the development and stability of our country, and for the success of forthcoming elections,” she said.
On the update on ADC Leadership, the INEC comes after the Supreme Court Judgement which vacated the order of the Court of Appeal barring the recognition of Mark as the National Chairman of the ADC.
INEC on the 1st of April 2026 had removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC respectively.
