Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the timetable and schedule of activities for the bye-election to fill the vacant Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
The commission fixed Saturday, September 19, 2026, for the conduct of the bye-election, setting the stage for political parties and their candidates to begin preparations for the contest.
The seat became vacant following the death of the former lawmaker representing the constituency, Tongo Yaya. The forthcoming election will therefore give eligible voters in the constituency an opportunity to elect a new representative to the National Assembly.
INEC released the timetable on Tuesday as part of preparations for the election, stating that the electoral process would be conducted in accordance with the Constitution and relevant provisions of Nigeria’s electoral laws.
Key dates for the Gombe bye-election
According to the timetable, INEC will publish the Notice of Election on Thursday, August 20, 2026. This will formally commence the electoral process and provide official notification to political parties, candidates and voters.
Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between August 21 and August 25. The period will allow parties participating in the election to select their candidates for the federal constituency contest.
Following the primaries, INEC will publish the list of nominated candidates on September 8.
Campaigns by candidates and their political parties will commence on September 9 and continue until September 17, two days before the election.
The main election is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026.
The timetable places significant responsibility on political parties to meet the deadlines set by the electoral commission. INEC has urged all participating parties to comply strictly with the schedule and conduct their activities in line with the law.
Election to cover three local government areas
The Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency covers three local government areas in Gombe State — Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye.
INEC said the bye-election will take place across 903 polling units and 31 registration areas within the constituency.
The scale of the electoral exercise means that preparations will involve election officials, political parties, candidates, security agencies, observers and voters across the affected areas.
INEC said it remains committed to providing a level playing field for all political parties and candidates taking part in the election.
The commission also described the planned election as an opportunity to strengthen democratic participation and ensure that voters in the constituency have representation in the House of Representatives.
Political parties face tight schedule
The short period between the release of the timetable and the election is expected to intensify political activity in the constituency.
Parties have only a few days to organise their primaries after the official notice of election is published. Candidates emerging from the primaries will then have to complete the necessary processes ahead of the publication of the final list of nominated candidates.
The campaign period will provide candidates with an opportunity to present their programmes and seek the support of voters across the constituency.
However, INEC’s directive means that parties and candidates will have to conduct their campaigns within the approved timeframe. Campaign activities are scheduled to end on September 17, leaving September 18 as a day before voting.
The commission has repeatedly stressed the importance of compliance with electoral regulations in order to protect the integrity of the process.
INEC urges stakeholders to comply
INEC urged political parties to strictly adhere to the timetable and schedule of activities.
The commission also assured stakeholders that it would provide equal opportunities for all participating political parties and candidates.
With the election expected to attract political interest, compliance with the timetable will be crucial to ensuring that the process moves smoothly from party primaries to candidate nomination, campaigns and voting.
The commission further called on eligible voters in the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency to participate in the electoral process and exercise their civic responsibility peacefully.
The forthcoming bye-election is also significant because it comes as Nigeria’s electoral system continues preparations for the 2027 general elections. INEC’s official information indicates that the commission is already working toward the next general election cycle, including the January 2027 presidential and House of Assembly elections.
What the election means for voters
For residents of Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye, the bye-election is an opportunity to choose a new representative who will occupy the vacant seat in the House of Representatives.
The successful candidate will be expected to represent the interests of the constituency at the federal level, including participating in legislative debates, oversight activities and decisions affecting national policy.
The election will therefore be closely watched by residents, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
Voters will also be expected to follow official guidance from INEC and participate peacefully throughout the electoral process.
The commission’s commitment to conducting the election across 903 polling units means that adequate planning will be required to ensure that election materials, personnel and voting procedures are properly coordinated.
Election date
INEC’s timetable has now provided a clear roadmap for the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency bye-election.
The immediate focus will shift to political parties as they prepare for their primaries between August 21 and 25. The publication of nominated candidates on September 8 will be followed by the campaign period from September 9 to 17.
On September 19, 2026, eligible voters will return to the polling units to elect a new member of the House of Representatives.
INEC has called on all stakeholders to respect the rules, avoid violence and work toward a peaceful, free and fair election.
The commission’s timetable is expected to guide the activities of political parties, candidates and electoral stakeholders until the conclusion of the bye-election.
Weng Global will continue to provide updates on the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency bye-election as political parties announce their candidates and INEC releases further information.
Sources
- Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
- Punch Newspaper
- The Nation
