The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opened its online accreditation portal for journalists and media organisations seeking to cover the five bye-elections scheduled across Gombe, Bauchi, Delta, and Kano states on September 19, 2026.
The commission announced on Monday that applications would be processed exclusively through the INEC Media Accreditation Portal, with the exercise closing at midnight on September 8.
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.
INEC said media organisations intending to deploy journalists or other relevant personnel to the elections must submit their applications through the portal at imap.inecnigeria.org.
The accreditation window opened on August 24 and will run for 16 days before the portal shuts automatically at 12:00 midnight on September 8.
The commission made clear that there would be no manual alternative for organisations that fail to complete the online process within the stipulated period.
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INEC said, “Accreditation is strictly online. No manual accreditation will be entertained.”
It also warned that late applications would not be considered and that there would be no extension of the deadline after the portal closes.
The commission explained that only credible and duly registered media organisations would qualify for accreditation, making registration status a key requirement for outlets seeking access to the electoral exercise.
Media organisations have also been advised to submit their applications and nominations early to avoid problems that could arise from last-minute uploads or technical difficulties.
The September elections will take place in five constituencies spread across four states, placing accredited journalists in different electoral environments as voters elect representatives to fill the affected seats.
INEC said organisations should ensure that all required information and supporting documents are properly uploaded before the deadline.
The commission also provided telephone contacts for media organisations requiring technical assistance or clarification on the accreditation process. The numbers are 07088844564 and 08032861058.
The electoral body reiterated that the portal would automatically shut at midnight on September 8, meaning applications submitted after the cut-off would not enter the accreditation process.
With the election date fixed for September 19, accredited media personnel will have to complete the registration process 11 days before polling, allowing INEC to finalise arrangements for journalists covering the exercise.
The commission advised interested media organisations to use the available accreditation period rather than wait until the final hours of the exercise.
The bye-elections will cover the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency and the four state constituencies of Disina, Sakwa, Udu and Dawakin Kudu.
