The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed June 20, 2026, for the conduct of the by-election into the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano following the death of the lawmaker.
Addressing journalists in Kano, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Zango Abdu, said the election became necessary after the Speaker of the House of Representatives declared the seat vacant in line with constitutional provisions.
According to him, the constituency comprises two local government areas Dawakin Kudu/Warawa.
He explained that,Dawakin Kudu has 15 registration areas, 303 polling units, and 162,445 registered voters, while Warawa also has 15 registration areas, 143 polling units, and 75,623 registered voters.
The REC disclosed that INEC officials had already conducted an assessment visit to the two local governments and expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness for the exercise.
“We are ready for the election. A substantial number of non-sensitive materials are already on ground, while sensitive materials will arrive a few days before the election,” he stated.
Abdu also revealed that the commission would soon commence the training of ad hoc staff, noting that more than 2,000 personnel would be deployed for the by-election.
“We require a minimum of four officials per polling unit, and we are confident that the NYSC will provide the required manpower,” he added.
The REC further disclosed that INEC had engaged political parties, stakeholders, and security agencies ahead of the election to ensure a peaceful and credible process.
He urged political actors in Kano State to cooperate with the commission and avoid violence during the election period.
“Kano needs a peaceful atmosphere for free, fair, and credible elections, and I believe the political class understands that responsibility,” he said.
On security arrangements, Abdu said the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security would meet to assess potential flashpoints and coordinate measures for peaceful polls.
Speaking on the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), the REC said Kano currently leads other states in the number of completed voter registrations.
According to him, over 210,000 people have so far registered in the state, with more than 190,000 already completing their biometric capturing and physical registration.
He added that INEC had extended registration activities beyond the initial five-day period at local government offices to accommodate more eligible voters across the 44 local government areas in the state.