NIGERIA: Materials Deployed As INEC Finalises Preparations For Bye-Elections

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The Independent National Electoral Commission has completed the distribution of sensitive materials for Saturday’s bye-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states of the federation.

National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that all Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices have been configured for use.

The elections, scheduled for August 16, will cover 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, Kano, Kogi, Niger, Taraba and Zamfara States.

A court-ordered re-run will also take place in Onitsha South 1 State Constituency of Anambra and Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano.

Olumekun stated: “All non-sensitive materials for the election have been delivered to the states. Election technology, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), has been configured for the election.

“The recruitment and training of ad hoc staff, as well as security and logistics arrangements, have been concluded. The final consignment of sensitive materials will be delivered today as scheduled.”

He reminded political parties and candidates that campaigns end at midnight on Thursday and appealed for strict adherence to electoral laws to ensure smooth voting.

Olumekun also announced that Continuous Voter Registration will resume nationwide on August 18, beginning with online pre-registration, followed by physical registration at 811 INEC offices nationwide from August 25.

During the exercise, citizens can register for the first time, transfer their registration, or replace lost or damaged voter cards.

In a related development, INEC said 17 political parties have nominated 637 candidates for the 68 positions in the February 2026 Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections.