By Muhammad Mamman
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that all arrangements are in place for a seamless by-election in Kogi’s Dekina-Okura constituency this Saturday.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja on Tuesday, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Kogi, Mr Oliver Agundu, outlined the commission’s meticulous preparations. The by-election follows the passing of Hon. Enema Paul, a former Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, on 14 December 2024 after a prolonged illness.
In a statement relayed through INEC’s Education Officer, Mr Haruna Haliru, Agundu revealed that the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) had convened to devise robust strategies to safeguard personnel and materials throughout the electoral process. “All non-sensitive materials have been dispatched to the local government area, with sensitive materials expected to arrive by Wednesday or Thursday,” he confirmed.
The commission has also completed comprehensive training for its supervisory presiding officers (SPOs), primarily INEC staff, as well as presiding officers (POs) and assistant presiding officers (APOs) in Anyigba from 8 to 10 August.
Five candidates from the Accord, African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Progressives Congress (APC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will vie for the constituency’s seat.
Agundu reassured stakeholders of INEC’s commitment to delivering a free, fair, transparent, and credible election. He urged all registered voters in Dekina-Okura to turn out in large numbers, maintain decorum, and cast their votes for their preferred candidates.
