In a substantial electoral event today, 4,613,291 Nigerian voters equipped with their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) are poised to participate in by-elections spanning 26 states and 80 Local Government Areas (LGAs). These elections aim to fill vacancies left by members who either passed away or resigned from the national and state assemblies, following directives from the election appeal tribunals.
Prof Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), provided key insights into the magnitude of these by-elections. The electoral landscape encompasses nine states where voters will elect two senators, four members of the House of Representatives, and three members of state Houses of Assembly. The elections are set to address vacancies in three senatorial districts, 17 federal, and 28 state constituencies, spanning 575 registration areas/wards and 8,934 polling units.
This extensive electoral endeavor involves 4,904,627 registered voters, with 4,613,291 PVCs already collected. The affected states include 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.
Prominent figures, including President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Works Senator David Umahi, and Senator Ibrahim Geidam, have vacant seats to be filled. The elections also seek to address vacancies resulting from resignations and unfortunate deaths, such as Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Tanko Sununu, Isma’ila Maihanchi from Taraba, and Abdulkadir Danbuga from Sokoto.
Chairman Yakubu reassured the public of INEC’s readiness, with materials delivered by the Central Bank of Nigeria and security measures in place to ensure a smooth electoral process. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has implemented restrictions on vehicular movement and security measures to uphold the integrity and safety of the elections.
