The Zuru Constituency bye-election for the Kebbi State House of Assembly will feature only two political parties — the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP) — after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that no other party met the nomination deadline. The election has been scheduled for June 20, 2026, following the vacancy created by the death of Speaker Usman Muhammad Zuru on April 6, 2026. INEC’s decision comes after a stakeholders’ meeting held in Birnin Kebbi, where Resident Electoral Commissioner Abubakar Dambo outlined the status of candidate nominations.
Dambo stated that only the APC and LP successfully submitted their candidates after conducting internal primaries within the stipulated timeframe. INEC had set May 22 to 26, 2026, as the official window for political parties to nominate candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026. All other parties failed to meet the requirements before the deadline expired, resulting in their disqualification from the electoral process. This means voters in Zuru Constituency will have only two options when they go to the polls next year.
The electoral body has confirmed that the existing voters’ register will be used for the bye-election, ensuring continuity and efficiency in the electoral process. Dambo urged both political parties and voters to cooperate with INEC to guarantee a peaceful, credible, and transparent election. He emphasized the importance of adhering to electoral guidelines and avoiding any actions that could undermine public confidence in the outcome.
The vacancy in Zuru Constituency arose after the sudden passing of Usman Muhammad Zuru, who had served as Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly. His death triggered the need for a bye-election to fill the legislative seat, which is crucial for maintaining representation in the state’s legislative arm. The APC and LP have both fielded candidates, though their names were not disclosed in the official announcement.
As the election approaches, political activities are expected to intensify in the constituency. The outcome will not only determine who represents Zuru in the state assembly but also reflect the current political dynamics in Kebbi State. With only two parties in the race, the contest may see heightened campaign efforts and voter mobilization from both sides. The results will be closely watched as an indicator of public sentiment ahead of future elections in the region.
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