Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed Saturday, September 19, 2026, for the conduct of the by‑election into the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, following the death of the former lawmaker representing the constituency. The announcement, contained in a timetable and schedule of activities released on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, by the commission's Public Affairs Officer, Mohorret Bigun, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Gombe State, Alhaji Umar Mukhtar Gajiram, sets the stage for a political contest that will determine who completes the constituency's representation in the National Assembly.
The vacancy arose following the death of the lawmaker, Tongo Yaya, who passed away at the age of 62 on Friday, June 12, 2026, in a hospital in Abuja after a brief illness. Yaya, a member of the All Progressives Congress, had represented the constituency in the House of Representatives. His death left the seat vacant, triggering the constitutional requirement for a by‑election to be conducted within 90 days of the vacancy occurring, in accordance with Section 76(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
According to the timetable released by INEC, the electoral process will formally commence with the publication of the Notice of Election on Thursday, August 20, 2026. Political parties intending to participate in the election are expected to conduct their primaries between August 21 and 25, 2026. The final list of nominated candidates will be published on September 8, 2026, while campaigns will officially commence on September 9 and conclude on September 17, two days before the polls. The commission has urged all political parties to strictly adhere to the timetable and conduct their activities in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The by‑election will be conducted across 903 polling units, 31 registration areas, and three local government areas within the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency. INEC has assured all stakeholders that it remains committed to providing a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, and to conducting a free, fair, and inclusive by‑election. “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 commission stated.
INEC has also called on eligible voters in the constituency to participate actively in the electoral process and exercise their civic responsibility peacefully and responsibly. The commission encouraged voters to turn out on election day and ensure that the electoral process is credible and reflective of the will of the people. With the timetable now released, attention will shift to the political parties as they begin the race to select candidates for a contest that will determine who completes the constituency's representation in the House of Representatives. The outcome of the by‑election will have implications for the balance of power in the National Assembly and the political dynamics of Gombe State.
As the parties prepare for their primaries, the people of Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency are reminded of the importance of their participation in the electoral process. The by‑election presents an opportunity for the constituents to choose a representative who will serve their interests and contribute to the development of the constituency and the nation at large. INEC has pledged to provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, and has called on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.
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