IEBC lays down rules for independent hopefuls in November 27 by-elections
IEBC Chair Erastus Edung. File photo
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, 21st 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.
