The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that preparations for the forthcoming Enugu North Senatorial District by-election in Enugu State have reached an advanced stage, with the commission declaring that it has attained more than 87 per cent readiness ahead of the exercise scheduled for June 20.
The disclosure was made on Wednesday by the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Enugu State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Enugu.
According to the electoral body, extensive arrangements have already been concluded to ensure a smooth, transparent and credible electoral process across the six local government areas that make up the senatorial district.
The by-election became necessary following the vacancy in the Enugu North Senatorial seat, prompting INEC to release the official notice and timetable for the exercise on May 21, while fixing June 20 as the date for the poll.
Speaking on the level of preparation achieved so far, Chukwu explained that the commission had made significant progress in logistics deployment and the handling of election materials.
He stated that all non-sensitive materials required for the conduct of the by-election had already been sorted and prepared for onward distribution to the relevant council offices.
According to him, the movement of the materials commenced on Wednesday as part of the commission’s phased deployment strategy aimed at avoiding delays and ensuring adequate monitoring.
“We are sending the non-sensitive materials today (June 3) to our council area offices involved and by Thursday (June 4), the non-sensitive materials will be further moved to INEC’s Registration Area Centres (RACs),” the REC said.
The commissioner noted that the early deployment of materials was intended to give electoral officials ample time to organise and secure the items ahead of election day.
He further revealed that INEC had completed the configuration and charging of all Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices that would be used during the election.
The BVAS machines, which have become a critical component of Nigeria’s electoral process, are expected to enhance accreditation efficiency and reduce incidents of electoral malpractice.
Chukwu assured voters and political stakeholders that the devices had undergone necessary technical checks and would function effectively during the poll.
He said the commission remained committed to conducting a free, fair and credible election in line with the Electoral Act and existing guidelines.
The REC also disclosed that INEC had successfully concluded engagements with critical stakeholders across various levels within the state.
According to him, the commission had met with stakeholders at the state level, within the senatorial district and across the six local government areas involved in the by-election.
He explained that the consultations were aimed at strengthening cooperation among political parties, security agencies, civil society groups, traditional institutions and the media ahead of the exercise.
Chukwu stressed that stakeholder engagement remained essential in building public confidence and ensuring peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process.
He urged political actors and supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid actions capable of undermining peace or disrupting the election.
The REC further appealed to eligible voters within the senatorial district to come out en masse on election day and participate peacefully in the democratic process.
Observers believe the by-election will serve as another major test for INEC’s preparedness and the effectiveness of the technological reforms introduced into Nigeria’s electoral system.
Political activities have gradually intensified across the senatorial district as parties continue consultations and mobilisation efforts ahead of the June 20 contest.
Security agencies are also expected to strengthen surveillance and deploy personnel across strategic locations to maintain law and order during the election period.
Residents of the affected communities have expressed hope that the exercise would be conducted peacefully and transparently, without incidents capable of threatening public safety or voter confidence.
The Enugu North Senatorial District remains one of the politically significant zones in Enugu State, making the forthcoming by-election an important contest for both political parties and voters within the area.
With logistics deployment already underway and technological preparations nearing completion, INEC officials say the commission is determined to deliver a credible electoral process that reflects the will of the people.
