The Acting Chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), May Agbamuche-Mbu, Tuesday held the Third Quarterly Consultative Forum with leaders of registered political parties at the commission’s Abuja headquarters.
This was the first meeting since Agbamuche-Mbu assumed office on October 7, and it comes as the upcoming governorship election in Anambra State on November 8, 2025, approaches.
The first two quarterly meetings of the year were held on January 22 and June 26. She will also meet with media executives on Wednesday.
Agbamuche-Mbu acknowledged Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the previous INEC Chairman, in her opening remarks for his “legacy of innovation, institutional strength, and integrity.”
She also provided a detailed overview of the commission’s recent activities and ongoing preparations for Nigeria’s upcoming elections.
“At the last quarterly meeting, the Commission announced several elections and electoral activities — these include the bye-elections in 12 States of the Federation on August 16, 2025, the Anambra State Governorship Election on November 8, 2025, the Area Council Elections in the FCT on February 21, 2026, the Ekiti Governorship Election on June 20, 2026, and the Osun State Governorship Election on August 8, 2026,” she said.
Agbamuche-Mbu explained that the August bye-elections covered two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies, and nine state assembly constituencies.
Additionally, two court-ordered re-run elections took place on the same day in Enugu and Kano States, with winners declared and certificates of return issued in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2022.
The INEC boss stated that INEC has already published the timetable and schedule of activities for all upcoming elections, noting that some key steps have already begun, including campaign activities in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory.
Notices of elections have also been issued for the Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial contests.
“In less than a month, specifically on November 8, 2025, the Anambra State Governorship Election will take place. The timetable outlines 13 major activities, 10 of which have already been completed.
The Notice of Poll is scheduled for October 25, 2025, with campaigns ending on November 6, 2025,” she said.
The acting INEC Chair reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to adhering to the remaining milestones and urged political parties to respect campaign deadlines.
“The Commission has been working diligently and making arrangements for a smooth conduct of the Anambra election.
“We have engaged with security agencies at all levels.
“All non-sensitive materials have been delivered to the state, and voter education efforts are ongoing,” she stated.
Regarding the FCT Area Council elections set for February 21, 2026, Agbamuche-Mbu explained that the exercise will cover 68 constituencies, including six area council chairmen and their deputies for Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali, along with 62 wards.
Each area council, except AMAC, has 10 wards, while AMAC has 12 due to its larger population.
She also announced that INEC received a total of 171 applications from political associations seeking registration; 14 of these met the requirements to proceed to the next stage.
“Each request was assessed based on compliance with section 222 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), section 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, and Clause 2 of INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022.
Fourteen associations met the criteria to move forward, and their details have been published on our website,” she said.
In a show of support, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) pledged ongoing collaboration with INEC to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
IPAC National Chairman, Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, urged INEC’s new leadership to live up to Nigerians’ expectations.
“Citizens’ expectations are very high. The commission must rebuild trust in the electoral process and encourage mass participation in future polls,” Dantalle stated.
He highlighted IPAC’s recent efforts with the National Assembly on constitutional and electoral reforms, including proposals to abolish State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), transfer local government elections to INEC, reserve special seats for women, restore funding to political parties, and establish an Electoral Offences Commission.
IPAC also suggested relocating the appointment process for the INEC Chairman, Secretary, and Commissioners from the executive branch to foster independence.
Dantalle urged the National Assembly to expedite these reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The success of the November 8 Anambra governorship election will set the tone for subsequent elections in 2026 — including those in the FCT, Osun, and Ekiti — and ultimately the 2027 elections. INEC must perform well and get it right,” he emphasized.
The meeting was attended by leaders of all registered political parties.
