Emmanuel Obi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opened its online accreditation portal for journalists and media organisations seeking to cover the bye-elections scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026.
The commission announced the accreditation process in a statement issued on Monday, August 24, 2026.
The elections will take place in five constituencies across Gombe, Bauchi, Delta and Kano states.
The affected constituencies are Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency in Gombe State; Disina and Sakwa State Constituencies in Bauchi State; Udu State Constituency in Delta State; and Dawakin Kudu State Constituency in Kano State.
Media organisations are required to submit their applications through the INEC Media Accreditation Portal (IMAP).
The portal will remain open until 12 midnight on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. INEC said late applications would not be accepted and there would be no extension of the deadline.
The commission also stated that accreditation would be conducted strictly online, with no provision for manual applications.
Only credible and duly registered media organisations will be considered, while organisations have been advised to submit their applications and upload all required documents before the deadline.
