Nigeria’s electoral body Schedules Supplementary Elections in Northern Zamfara

Nigeria

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that supplementary elections will be conducted on Thursday, August 21, 2025, in five polling units in Kaura Namoda South State Constituency, Zamfara State. This decision follows disruptions during the bye-election held on August 16, 2025.

On August 16, INEC conducted bye-elections across the country, covering two Senatorial Districts, five Federal Constituencies, and nine State Assembly Constituencies. While the Commission successfully declared results in most areas, the elections in Kaura Namoda South were disrupted by violence and security challenges.

A press release by INEC and made available to journalists says, the Returning Officer for Kaura Namoda South was unable to make a declaration due to incidents in five polling units spanning two registration areas. A total of 3,572 registered voters were affected in these units, with 3,265 having already collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

Despite the lead margin of 1,662 votes held by a candidate in the affected areas, the Commission invoked Sections 24(3) and (4) of the Electoral Act 2022. These provisions require fresh elections to be held in polling units where voting was interrupted or elections were not concluded.

INEC explained that holding supplementary elections is essential to uphold the integrity and completeness of the electoral process. The Commission emphasized that it remains committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections nationwide, even amid ongoing security challenges in certain regions.

In the statement, INEC reassured the public that all necessary security measures will be put in place to protect voters and electoral officials during the supplementary polls scheduled for August 21. The Commission also promised transparency and timely communication of election updates.

The Commission has already delineated the affected polling units where the supplementary elections will hold, and other relevant electoral stakeholders have been duly informed. INEC urges voters in the impacted areas to participate actively in the upcoming exercise.

This supplementary election will conclude the electoral process in Kaura Namoda South State Constituency, ensuring that every eligible vote counts in the democratic process. INEC called on all parties and voters to uphold peace and cooperate for successful polls.