By-Elections, Re-runs Happening in 26 States Today
Today, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is overseeing by-elections and re-runs in 26 states across Nigeria.
These electoral activities span 80 Local Government Areas, encompassing 575 registration areas and 8,934 polling units.
The participating states are Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
According to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, 4,904,627 voters were registered for these elections, but only 4,613,291 permanent voter cards were collected. The by-elections cover two senatorial, four House of Representatives, and three state Houses of Assembly seats across nine states due to vacancies from deaths and resignations. Additionally, re-runs, mandated by court orders, are being held for one senatorial, 11 federal, and 22 state constituencies.
Notable among the elections are replacements for key figures like President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and several ministers who resigned to assume roles in the Tinubu-led administration. There are also by-elections to fill seats left vacant due to the deaths of elected representatives.
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The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. in all 26 states to ensure smooth conduct of the elections.
However, tensions have risen in Plateau State due to the omission of the logo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on ballot papers. PDP members protested the exclusion, citing a Court of Appeal judgment permitting all parties to contest in the re-run. There were earlier concerns that the PDP might not participate in the re-run following the nullification of elections won by its candidates due to party structural issues.
In response to potential unrest, the Department of State Services has urged both voters and political parties to uphold the law and maintain order during and after the elections, emphasizing adherence to the Electoral Act.
“In this regard, the service tasks the contending parties to shun all acts capable of causing a breakdown of law and order. Also, politicians and their supporters must strive to adhere to the electoral act and procedure.”
