The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has completed all arrangements for Saturday’s by-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states, with political parties and candidates intensifying campaigns ahead of the close of political activities at midnight on Thursday.
In a statement, the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed that logistics have been finalised for the exercise.
“With less than 48 hours to the opening of polls, the Commission reiterates its appeal to all those involved in the elections — political parties and their candidates, agents, supporters, voters, observers, the media and security agencies — to adhere strictly to the provisions of the law, regulations and guidelines,” Olumekun said.
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He disclosed that all non-sensitive materials have been delivered to the states, while the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been configured for use. The final batch of sensitive materials will be delivered today as scheduled.
According to INEC, elections will hold in two senatorial districts in Anambra and Edo States, five federal constituencies in Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun and Oyo States, and nine state constituencies in Adamawa, Anambra, Kaduna (2), Kano, Kogi, Niger, Taraba and Zamfara States. Court-ordered re-runs will also be conducted in Enugu South I State Constituency and Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency in Kano State.
Olumekun further announced that Continuous Voter Registration will resume soon, with online pre-registration starting on August 18, 2025, and physical registration opening on August 25 at 811 centres nationwide.
In Abuja, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, urged INEC to conduct credible polls that will restore public confidence.
“INEC must correct past errors that have dented its image. All eyes are on the Commission to deliver a free, fair and credible election,” Mark said.
In Oyo State, Social Democratic Party Chairman, Michael Okunlade, expressed confidence in the party’s Ibadan North candidate, Islamiyat Abdulkadir, after a court cleared her to contest.
“Our candidates are set for victory, considering their popularity and the massive campaigns we have carried out,” Okunlade stated.
In Edo State, sensitive election materials were distributed from the CBN in Benin to seven local government areas, witnessed by party and civil society representatives. Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Anugbum Onuoha, described the process as seamless.
Five of the nine participating parties — APC, ADC, ANPP, Action Alliance and PDP — signed a peace accord in the presence of security agencies. Edo Police Commissioner, Monday Agbonika, warned against attempts to disrupt the polls.
In Adamawa, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of election monitoring, Taiwo Adeleke, cautioned officers against voter intimidation and urged professionalism.
In Jigawa, Commissioner of Police, Dahiru Muhammad, announced the closure of the state’s border with Niger Republic from midnight Friday to 6 p.m. Saturday to prevent external interference.
The Ganye State Constituency by-election in Adamawa follows the death of its representative, Abdulmalik Jauro, in May 2024, while the Ibadan North Federal Constituency poll was prompted by the passing of two-term lawmaker Musiliudeen Akinremi in July 2024.
In Zamfara, the APC accused Governor Dauda Lawal of planning to deploy outlawed Yansakai vigilantes to intimidate voters. The governor’s aide, Mustafa Jafaru, dismissed the allegation as baseless, insisting Lawal had banned political thuggery since 2023.
Security agencies across the states have pledged joint efforts to secure polling units, election materials and officials, urging citizens to come out and vote peacefully.
