The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has claimed that the institution has not received any request from the Senate to conduct a by-election in Anambra South Senatorial District to replace the late Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah.
Dr. Elizabeth Agu, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra, made this statement at a stakeholders’ dialogue organized by the International Press Centre (IPC) in Awka on Thursday.
The dialogue’s theme was “Rebuilding Trust in the Electoral Process and Election.”
According to reports, Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra South Senatorial District, passed away in July 2024.
Despite this, Agu stated that INEC has prepared for the election and is ready to conduct it once the Senate submits a request to fill the vacant seat.
Agu urged the Anambra public, particularly politicians, to adhere to the rules as the state prepares for the November 8 governorship election. She assured that INEC would ensure people’s votes count.
“INEC is ready for the Anambra South Senatorial District by-election, but the Senate must request the replacement of the vacant seat before we can conduct the election,” Agu said.
In his keynote lecture, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji emphasized the importance of public trust in participatory and successful elections.
Orji, a former REC in the state, noted that voter apathy indicates issues with the electoral process, including a high trust deficit.
The Chairman of the programme, Dr. Emeka Ononamadu, highlighted the need for collaborative stakeholders, including civil society, security agencies, and the general public, to work effectively for a credible outcome.
Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), promised to share recommendations from the dialogue with relevant authorities to enhance democratic processes.
“Our aim is to gather insights from all geopolitical zones in Nigeria, focusing on rebuilding trust and fostering collaboration to improve future elections,” Arogundade said.
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