…as it fixes June 20 for bye-election
David Onuoja, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has returned Senator David Mark and Ruaf Aregbeshola, among others as the Advance Democratic Congress (ADC), Chairman and Secretary immediately the Supreme Court gave its judgement yesterday in Abuja.
David Mark ADC’s executive, was seen returned to the website of INEC in the night of 30th April, 2026 immediately after the ruling of the Supreme Court in Abuja, on Thursday; where an order of the Court of Appeal barring the recognition of Mark as the National Chairman of the ADC was void.
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Other leadership of the ADC, were Dr. Mani Ahmad as national treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as national financial secretary, and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor as national legal adviser.
It could be recalled that INEC on the 1st of April 2026 had removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, Chairman and Secretary respectfully, from its official portal website.
Similarly, the newly sworn-in National Commissioner, Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (rtd.) has resumed her duty immediately after taking oath of office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking on the new appointee, Prof. Amupitan described Rear Admiral Malafa (rtd.), as a seasoned professional with broad experience in military service and electoral operations. He noted that she previously worked with the Commission on logistics and served as Director of Legal Services in the Nigerian Navy, bringing administrative and legal expertise to the role.
Reaffirming INEC’s mandate, the Chairman said the Commission remains committed to conducting elections into the offices of the President, National Assembly, Governors, State Houses of Assembly and Area Councils in a credible and transparent manner. In her remarks, Rear Admiral Malafa, thanked the Commission for the warm reception and pledged to work for the development and stability of the country and the success of forthcoming elections.
The ceremony was attended by National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, the Director-General of The Electoral Institute, senior officials, and family members of the new National Commissioner.
Meanwhile, the Commission has scheduled Saturday, June 20, 2026, for bye-elections in six states.
Amupitan revealed this while swearing-in the new National Commissioner, Rear Admiral Malafa (rtd.). INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, announced the date on Thursday at a brief ceremony held at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja to formally receive the new Commissioner.
Prof. Amupitan disclosed that the bye-elections will hold on the same day as the Ekiti State Governorship Election. The polls are to fill vacant legislative seats created in recent months across both Chambers and at State level.
According to the Chairman, the elections will cover Senatorial vacancies in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers and Ondo States. Also to be contested are a State House of Assembly seat in Kebbi State and a House of Representatives seat in Kano State.
“We are going into some off-cycle elections very soon. On June 20, 2026, the Commission will conduct bye-elections to fill vacant seats,” he said.
