Shock as INEC Clears Only Three Parties for Enugu North Bye-Election, Major Contenders Locked Out

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved only three political parties to participate in the June 20, 2026, Enugu North Senatorial District bye-election, leaving several interested parties out of the race after failing to meet nomination requirements before the deadline.
The parties cleared to contest the election are the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the BOOT Party (BP).
Enugu State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, disclosed that only the three parties successfully uploaded their nomination forms and supporting documents through INEC’s Nomination Portal before the June 2 deadline.
According to him, the APC will field Chief Ikeje Asogwa, the PDP has nominated Chief Nestor Ezeme, while the BOOT Party will be represented by Mr. Chukwuebuka Aneke.
“At the close of nominations, three political parties successfully submitted the required nomination forms in respect of candidates they intend to sponsor for the bye-election. The political parties are APC, BOOT Party and PDP,” Chukwu stated.
The development effectively shuts out other parties, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and several others that had indicated interest in the contest but failed to complete the nomination process within the stipulated period.
The REC explained that the submission deadline for Forms EC9, EC9C, and other nomination documents was clearly stated in INEC’s timetable and schedule of activities for the election.
He added that the commission had processed the documents submitted by the qualified parties in line with Sections 29(3) and 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended).
Chukwu further revealed that INEC has published the personal particulars and final list of nominated candidates in accordance with legal provisions and the approved election timetable.
He encouraged members of the public who wish to verify the credentials and particulars of the candidates to visit the commission’s notice board at the Enugu State headquarters during official working hours.
Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and due process, the REC assured political parties, candidates, and stakeholders of a level playing field throughout the electoral process.
The Enugu North Senatorial District bye-election will be conducted across 1,488 polling units spread across six local government areas — Nsukka, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Udenu, Igbo-Etiti, and Uzo-Uwani.