By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
ELECTORAL PREPARATIONS have advanced as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixed June 20 for the conduct of by elections in six states of the federation.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the INEC Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan announced the date during the swearing in of a new National Commissioner retired Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa in Abuja on Thursday.
Amupitan said the by elections would be held alongside the Ekiti State Governorship Election scheduled for the same date.
He stated that the elections would cover senatorial vacancies in Enugu Nasarawa Rivers and Ondo States. He added that a State House of Assembly seat in Kebbi State and a House of Representatives seat in Kano State would also be filled.
“We are going into some off cycle elections very soon. The Ekiti State Governorship Election is scheduled for June 20 2026. On the same date the Commission will conduct bye elections to fill vacant seats.
“The senatorial seats declared vacant in Enugu Nasarawa Rivers and Ondo States will be filled alongside the Kebbi State House of Assembly seat and the House of Representatives seat in Kano State,” Amupitan said.
Speaking on the appointment of the new National Commissioner Amupitan described Malafa as a seasoned professional with extensive experience spanning military service and electoral operations.
He noted that she had previously worked with the Commission in the area of logistics and served as Director of Legal Services in the Nigerian Navy bringing administrative and legal expertise to her role.
The Chairman reiterated the Commission’s commitment to its constitutional mandate of conducting credible elections.
In her remarks Malafa expressed appreciation for the reception and pledged to contribute to the Commission’s work.
“I’m glad to be here and I thank you for the warm reception. I look forward to working with everyone for the development and stability of our country and for the success of forthcoming elections,” she said.
INEC Chairman Assures Nigeria’s Workers on May Day
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that commitment to service and electoral integrity was the hallmark as the INEC addressed its staff in a 2026 May Day message.
Titled “The Dignity of Service,” was delivered by INEC Chairman, Professor Joash O Amupitan, to National Commissioners the Secretary to the Commission Resident Electoral Commissioners Directors Administrative Secretaries and staff across the federation.
The Chairman said the Commission joined the global community to commemorate International Workers Day (IWD) and saluted over 14000 dedicated men and women who constitute the heartbeat of the Commission.
“May Day is a celebration of the dignity of labour but for us at INEC it is a reminder that the work of our hands is the bedrock upon which the stability of our nation rests,” he said.
He stated that from registration areas in local government offices to the corridors of headquarters staff labour is the silent engine of democracy and noted that they work when the nation sleeps and stand guard when the world watches.
Reflecting on 2026 he expressed pride in the administrative excellence displayed during the recent FCT Area Council Elections and said the success resulted from collective effort late night strategy sessions and commitment to excellence.
He said one victory prepares for the next challenge as the Commission moves towards Ekiti and Osun off cycle elections and the critical phases of the 2027 roadmap and urged staff to remain reliable professionals.
“Our task is more than just logistical it is a labour of trust. Every ballot processed and every result transmitted is a testament to the integrity of the Nigerian worker,” he said.
The Chairman stated his commitment to ensuring the Commission evolves as a workplace where welfare is prioritised merit is the only currency and staff are digitally empowered to meet modern election management demands.
He urged staff to take a moment of rest and reflection and said the spirit of solidarity should strengthen internal bonds as one team bound by a mission to deliver an electoral process beyond reproach.
“I thank you for your loyalty your resilience and your patriotism. Your labour shall not be in vain for in the success of our elections lies the prosperity of our nation,” he said.
“Happy Workers Day to you all. God bless the hardworking INEC Staff. God bless INEC. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the chairman concluded.
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