Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has finalized preparations for the upcoming bye-election in Kogi’s Dekina-Okura constituency, scheduled for Saturday.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja on Tuesday, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Kogi, Mr. Oliver Agundu, confirmed the commission’s readiness.
“All is now set for the by-election,” Agundu stated, speaking through INEC’s Education Officer, Mr. Haruna Haliru.
The by-election follows the passing of Hon. Enema Paul, a former Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, on December 14, 2024, after a prolonged illness, as reported by NAN.
Agundu, via Haliru, explained that INEC convened a meeting of the Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to strategize on safeguarding personnel and materials throughout the electoral process.
“All non-sensitive materials have been dispatched to the local government, and we expect sensitive materials to arrive by Wednesday or Thursday,” he noted.
Training for supervisory presiding officers (SPOs), primarily INEC staff, has been completed, alongside sessions for presiding officers (POs) and assistant presiding officers (APOs) held in Anyigba from August 8 to August 10.
According to Agundu, the election will feature five candidates representing the Accord, African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Progressives Congress (APC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He emphasized INEC’s commitment to delivering a “free, fair, transparent, and credible” election.
Agundu urged registered voters in Dekina-Okura to participate actively and peacefully, encouraging them to “come out en masse, conduct themselves orderly, and vote for candidates of their choice.”
