IEBC lays down rules for independent hopefuls in November 27 by-elections

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The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has released a detailed communiqué guiding independent candidates ahead of the by-elections scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon confirmed that the campaign period will run from Wednesday, 8 October through Monday, 24 November, ending exactly 48 hours before polling day.

Campaign activities are restricted to 7am–6pm daily, and any violation of these timings will be treated as non-compliance.

Individuals running as independents must meet specific eligibility requirements. They must:

• have not been members of any political party for at least three months prior to the by-election date
• obtain and submit a clearance certificate from the Registrar of Political Parties verifying the above
• submit their preferred name and symbol for the campaign by 17 September 2025, using Forms 11N and 11P in both printed and electronic formats at Anniversary Towers, 21^st Floor

Approved symbols will be gazetted at least 14 days before nominations.

Nomination and registration for both independent and party-affiliated candidates are set for 8 and 9 October 2025, with returning officers holding pre-nomination meetings on October 3, 2025.

Supporter thresholds differ by office:

Senate: 2,000 registered supporters from the county

National Assembly: 1,000 supporters from the constituency

County Assembly: 500 supporters from the ward.

All independent aspirants must submit signed lists with supporters' IDs along with their nomination forms.