The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced online accreditation for journalists and media organisations seeking to cover the bye-elections scheduled to hold on Saturday, September 19, 2026. In a statement posted on its X account on Monday, the commission said the accreditation exercise was for media organisations intending to……
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced online accreditation for journalists and media organisations seeking to cover the bye-elections scheduled to hold on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
In a statement posted on its X account on Monday, the commission said the accreditation exercise was for media organisations intending to deploy journalists and other relevant personnel to cover the elections across five constituencies.
The bye-elections will be conducted in the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State; Disina and Sakwa State Constituencies in Bauchi State; Udu State Constituency in Delta State; and Dawakin Kudu State Constituency in Kano State.
INEC directed interested media organisations to apply through the INEC Media Accreditation Portal (IMAP), stressing that “accreditation is strictly online” and that “no manual accreditation will be entertained.”
The portal opened on Monday, August 24, 2026, and will close at 12:00 midnight on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
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The commission warned that late applications would not be accepted, adding that “the portal will automatically shut down at 12:00 midnight on Tuesday, 8 September 2026.”
INEC further stated that “there will be no extension of the accreditation deadline,” urging media organisations to complete their applications and nominations before the closing date.
The commission said only “credible and duly registered media organisations” would be considered for accreditation.
It also advised interested organisations to ensure that all required information and documents were properly uploaded before the portal closes.
“Media organisations are advised to complete their applications and nominations well before the deadline,” INEC said.
The commission urged prospective applicants requiring assistance with the accreditation process to contact its support lines on 07088844564 and 08032861058.
The September 19 bye-elections are scheduled to take place across the five constituencies as part of the commission’s electoral activities.
