The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the comprehensive timetable for the 2025–2026 electoral cycle, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey. In tandem with this announcement, the Commission has also confirmed the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise nationwide.
At a consultative meeting with political party leaders held at INEC headquarters in Abuja, Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu disclosed that by-elections will be conducted on Saturday, August 16, 2025, to fill 16 vacant legislative seats across 12 states. These include two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies, and nine state assembly constituencies, involving over 3.5 million registered voters across 32 local government areas, 356 wards, and 6,987 polling units.
In preparation for these elections, party primaries are scheduled between July 17 and July 21, with nomination forms to be submitted via INEC’s online portal from July 22 to July 26. Public campaigns will run from August 2 to August 14, 2025.
INEC also announced that Continuous Voter Registration will resume nationwide, with online pre-registration beginning August 18, followed by in-person registration from August 25, 2025. The exercise will be conducted simultaneously across all 36 states and the FCT, including the 774 local government offices.
In a special provision for Anambra State ahead of its November 2025 governorship election, a dedicated CVR window will run from July 8 to July 17, covering all 326 wards.