The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that only four political parties are cleared to participate in the Ondo South Senatorial District bye-election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026. These parties include the All Progressives Congress (APC), Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Boot Party.
According to INEC, approximately 673,446 registered voters will be eligible to cast their ballots across 1,354 polling units and 66 registration areas (wards) within the district. The information was shared by the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ondo State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Okitipupa on Tuesday.
The bye-election was triggered by the appointment of former Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations by President Bola Tinubu. The Senate officially declared the seat vacant on April 28, 2026, and directed INEC to organize a bye-election in line with constitutional provisions.
Dr. Agboke explained that the election will occur concurrently with other bye-elections in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Kano states, as well as the Ekiti State governorship election. He provided details on voter distribution, noting that Odigbo Local Government Area has the highest number of registered voters (154,382), followed by Ilaje (147,209), and Ese-Odo (84,888).
A total of 5,416 poll officials will be deployed for the exercise. Only voters who registered before the current Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and possess valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will be allowed to vote. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be used for voter accreditation at all polling units to ensure integrity.
INEC has prepared 1,359 BVAS machines, all tested and certified for deployment, with an additional 264 backup devices to address potential technical issues. Sensitive materials are already secured in INEC’s vault in Akure. The commission has also activated the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security and is collaborating with security agencies to guarantee a peaceful process.
The participating candidates are: Prof. Dayo Faduyilemi (APC), Adeolu Akinwumi (APM), Adesanya Olaoluwa (APP), and Nejo Funso Clement (Boot Party). Campaign activities are scheduled from June 10 to June 18, as stipulated by the Electoral Act 2026. Dr. Agboke urged all parties, supporters, and stakeholders to maintain peace before, during, and after the election.