Bye-Elections Today: INEC, Police Promise Credible, Secure Polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians of credible elections as security agencies intensify measures to prevent disruptions in today’s bye-elections across 12 states. A total of 16 legislative seats—two senatorial, five House of Representatives, and nine state assembly positions—will be contested. The elections cover 32 local government areas, 356 wards, and 6,987 polling units, with 3,553,659 registered voters eligible to cast ballots.

INEC said 11 of the seats became vacant due to deaths, while five were vacated following resignations, including Governor Monday Okpebholo and his deputy Dennis Idahosa of Edo State. Okpebholo resigned his Edo Central senatorial seat, while Idahosa left his Ovia North-East/Ovia South-West House of Representatives seat. Sensitive electoral materials have been deployed across all affected states and LGAs, with security personnel, including 20,850 National Security and Civil Defence Corps officers, ensuring safety.

Tensions emerged in some states as political parties accused each other of plotting to rig the elections. In response, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, appealed to all stakeholders to comply strictly with electoral laws and guidelines.

Inspector-General of Police Egbetokun has directed a full-scale security deployment, including Assistant Inspectors-General and Commissioners of Police, as well as tactical units such as the Police Mobile Force, Special Intervention Squad, and Force Intelligence Department. Vehicle restrictions will be in place from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in affected LGAs, with exemptions for INEC officials, accredited media, electoral observers, and emergency services. VIP escorts are banned, and private or state-owned security outfits are barred from polling and collation centers. The IGP called on citizens to observe the law and assured that the arrangements will guarantee a smooth voting process.

In Kano, movement of motorcycles, tricycles, and vehicles is restricted in Ghari/Tsanyawa and Bagwai/Shanono constituencies, with state-owned security outfits barred from polling unit duties. In Kaduna, movement is restricted in Sabon Gari, Zaria, Chikun, and Kajuru LGAs. Former PDP candidate Isa Ashiru warned against poll manipulation, stressing the need for impartiality by electoral and security officials. In Kogi, Commissioner of Police Miller Dantawaye warned political thugs to stay away from the Dekina-Okura State Constituency election, pledging strict enforcement against disruptions. Ogun and Oyo states have also deployed patrol teams, stop-and-search units, and other operational personnel, while restricting movement in selected LGAs to ensure smooth voting.

With heightened security and strict enforcement of electoral laws, INEC and the police are working to ensure that today’s bye-elections are free, fair, and peaceful across the country.