Gombe bye-election is set for September 19 as INEC releases the timetable for the poll to fill the vacant Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye House seat
The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed Saturday, September 19, 2026, for the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency bye-election in Gombe State, following the death of former House of Representatives member Tongo Yaya.
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INEC announced the date on Tuesday, August 18, in a timetable and schedule of activities signed by its Public Affairs Officer, Mohorret Bigun, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner.
The election will determine a new representative for the constituency, which covers three local government areas and has 903 polling units across 31 registration areas.
INEC said the election would be conducted in line with the 1999 Constitution and applicable provisions of the Electoral Act.
The commission is scheduled to publish the Notice of Election on Thursday, August 20, formally opening the process ahead of the September poll.
Political parties intending to contest the seat are expected to conduct their primaries between August 21 and 25. The exercise will determine the candidates who will represent the various parties at the bye-election.
INEC will publish the list of nominated candidates on September 8, while the official campaign period will begin the following day.
Campaigning is expected to continue until September 17, two days before voters go to the polls.
The commission urged political parties to follow the timetable and ensure that their activities comply with electoral laws.
“The Commission calls on all political parties to strictly adhere to the timetable and schedule of activities and conduct their activities in accordance with the provisions of the law,” INEC said.
The commission also promised to maintain a level playing field for the candidates and parties taking part in the contest.
“The Commission further assures all stakeholders across the 903 Polling Units, 31 Registration Areas and 3 Local Government Areas that it remains committed to providing a level playing field for all political parties and candidates and to conducting a free, fair, and inclusive bye-election,” the statement said.
The Gombe bye-election follows the death of Tongo Yaya, who represented the federal constituency in the House of Representatives before his death.
The vacancy has created a fresh contest among political parties seeking to secure the constituency, with the upcoming primaries expected to provide the first indication of the strength of the competing political camps.
For voters in Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye local government areas, the election will provide an opportunity to choose a new federal representative for the remainder of the current legislative cycle.
INEC urged eligible voters to participate peacefully and exercise their civic responsibilities as the electoral process begins.
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The commission’s timetable gives political parties and prospective candidates just over a month to complete primaries, nominations and campaigns before the September 19 vote.
