The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared full readiness for Saturday’s bye-election in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.
Speaking in Minna on Thursday during the presentation of sensitive materials to stakeholders at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Niger State, Ahmed Garki, said the process has been transparent, with media involvement at every stage.
“What you are seeing today is the second-to-the-last phase. These sensitive materials have been thoroughly checked and confirmed by the CBN, and they are heading straight to Munya,” he said.
Garki noted that INEC had conducted several training sessions in the past two weeks for Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs) I, II, and III. Over 500 ad-hoc staff, alongside permanent staff, will be deployed for the poll. He confirmed that all BVAS machines are fully charged, configured, and ready for activation.
The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Niger State, Bello Maikujeri, who represented all political parties, expressed confidence in INEC’s preparedness. “All 11 wards in Munya have been captured, and sensitive materials are available for inspection by all political parties. We urge parties to conduct themselves lawfully for a peaceful and cordial election,” he said.
Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Ellema, also assured voters of maximum security before, during, and after the election. “We have inspected all materials, and everything is intact. Adequate security personnel from conventional and sister agencies have been deployed, and operational orders are in place to prevent any breaches,” he stated.
Ellema added that certain areas were merged for administrative purposes, but stressed that security coverage will extend to all parts of Munya.
