The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it is still awaiting an official request from the Senate to conduct a by-election to fill the vacant Anambra South Senatorial District seat, following the death of Senator IfeanyiUbah in July 2024.
Dr. Elizabeth Agu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra, made the announcement at a stakeholders’ dialogue in Awka on Thursday, organized by the International Press Centre (IPC). The dialogue, themed “Rebuilding Trust in the Electoral Process and Elections,” addressed issues surrounding electoral credibility and trust.
Dr. Agu emphasized that while INEC was fully prepared for the by-election, it could not proceed without a formal request from the Senate. She urged Anambra residents, especially politicians, to adhere to the rules as the state also prepares for the upcoming November 8 governorship election. She assured that INEC was committed to ensuring that voters’ voices are heard and their votes counted in all elections.
“INEC is ready for the Anambra South Senatorial District by-election, but the Senate has to officially request the replacement of the vacant seat before we can conduct the election,” Agu said.
In his keynote address, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji, a lecturer at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and former REC in Anambra, discussed the importance of public trust in the electoral process. He pointed out that voter apathy often signaled underlying issues in the electoral system, such as a lack of trust due to fraud, irregularities, or biased conduct by officials. He also highlighted that INEC’s decision to have Vice Chancellors announce election results was a step towards restoring trust.
Dr. EmekaOnonamadu, a former REC and convener of Nigeria Democracy Clinic, stressed the need for effective collaboration between various stakeholders, including civil society, security agencies, and the public, to ensure credible elections. He also mentioned the harmful impact of political prophets who prematurely predict electoral outcomes, creating unnecessary pressure on both the electorate and the electoral body.
Mr. LanreArogundade, Executive Director of the IPC, expressed his commitment to improving the electoral system, noting that the dialogue’s large turnout demonstrated a shared dedication to enhancing Nigeria’s democracy. He assured that the recommendations from the event would be forwarded to relevant authorities to help address the challenges facing the electoral process.
The session concluded with a call for collective effort and determination to restore integrity and trust in Nigeria’s elections.
AT REPORTERS
