The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed September 19, 2026, for the Udu State Constituency by-election in Delta State, assuring voters of a free, fair and transparent exercise.
The Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Asaba on Friday.
Umoren said INEC commenced preparations for the election following the declaration of a vacancy in the constituency by the Delta State House of Assembly.
He explained that political parties that participated in the 2023 election and remain eligible for the by-election are expected to conduct their primaries between August 21 and 25, with INEC monitoring the processes.
According to him, parties will submit nomination forms through the INEC portal from August 29 to September 2, while the final list of candidates will be published on September 8.
He said campaigns would commence on September 9 and end on September 17, two days before the election.
The REC disclosed that the constituency has nine registration areas and 265 polling units, adding that the commission would deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) while technical personnel would be stationed to address possible technical challenges.
Addressing concerns over security and possible litigation, Umoren said he was not aware of any development that could stop the election, stressing that INEC had not received any court notice challenging the process.
He urged political parties, residents and the media to verify information before publication and called for cooperation from stakeholders to ensure a credible poll.
Umoren also clarified that the by-election is strictly for previously registered voters and does not cover newly registered voters.