INEC Reports 87% Readiness For Enugu North By-Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that preparations for the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election are nearly complete, with the commission recording 87 percent readiness.

Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Enugu State, disclosed the update during an interview in Enugu. He explained that the commission had already sorted and dispatched non-sensitive materials to its six local government area offices within the senatorial district.

According to Chukwu, the materials will be moved from the council offices to Registration Area Centres (RACs) to ensure smooth distribution ahead of the June 20 poll. He stressed that the commission’s logistics plan was on track and designed to avoid last-minute challenges.

The REC also confirmed that all Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices had been fully configured and charged. These devices, introduced to enhance transparency and reduce electoral malpractice, will be deployed across polling units in the district.

Chukwu noted that INEC had concluded engagements with critical stakeholders at the state, senatorial, and local government levels. He said the meetings recorded strong participation, with stakeholders raising questions about the process and receiving clarifications from senior officials.

He revealed that four political parties would field candidates in the by-election. While he declined to name them, he explained that INEC had monitored their primaries and submitted reports to the commission’s headquarters for approval.

Training for election officials is scheduled to begin on Friday, covering ad-hoc staff and permanent INEC workers. The training will focus on electoral procedures, use of BVAS devices, and compliance with guidelines.

Security arrangements are also being finalised. Chukwu said INEC would meet with the police and other security agencies to ensure the safety of officials, materials, and voters during the exercise. He emphasised that security presence would be critical to maintaining order and protecting the integrity of the process.

The by-election was scheduled after INEC published the official timetable on May 21. It is expected to fill the vacant seat in the Enugu North Senatorial District, a contest that will test the strength of political parties in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Chukwu assured residents that INEC was committed to conducting a credible poll. He urged voters to participate actively and expressed confidence that the commission’s preparations would guarantee a transparent outcome.