By-Elections: 4.6m Go To Polls In 26 States, 80 LGAs Today

• 4,613,291 Nigerians with PVCs will vote in by-elections across 26 states and 80 LGAs to fill national and state assembly vacancies
• INEC Chairman assures readiness with security measures for a smooth electoral process in 575 registration areas/wards and 8,934 polling units

A significant electoral event unfolds today as 4,613,291 Nigerians armed with their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) are set to cast their votes in by-elections spanning 26 states and 80 Local Government Areas (LGAs). These by-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.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, provided insights into the scope of these elections. The electoral landscape includes 9 states where two senators, four members of the House of Representatives, and three members of state Houses of Assembly will be elected.

The elections are poised to address vacancies in three senatorial districts, 17 federal and 28 state constituencies. This expansive endeavour encompasses 575 registration areas/wards and 8,934 polling units, involving 4,904,627 registered voters, with 4,613,291 PVCs already collected.

The affected 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.

Among the notable vacant seats to be filled are those of prominent figures like President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Works Senator David Umahi, and Senator Ibrahim Geidam. The elections also seek to address vacancies left by resignations and unfortunate deaths, such as Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Tanko Sununu, Isma’ila Maihanchi from Taraba, and Abdulkadir Danbuga from Sokoto.

INEC’s Chairman reassured the public of the commission’s preparedness, with materials delivered by the Central Bank of Nigeria and security measures in place for a smooth electoral process. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has implemented restrictions on vehicular movement and security measures to ensure the integrity and safety of the elections.