The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has completed the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials for the upcoming by-elections in Anambra South Senatorial Zone and Onitsha North 1 State Constituency.
Set for Saturday, August 16, the electoral exercises follow the untimely deaths of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and Hon. Justice Azuka, who previously held these positions.
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu announced that voting will occur in 210 wards across Anambra South and 118 wards in Onitsha North 1.
A total of 817,521 registered voters are expected to participate in the Anambra South by-election, while 92,223 voters are eligible to cast their ballots in Onitsha North 1.
In response to concerns regarding the integrity of the elections, Agwu dismissed allegations of planned manipulation, urging the electorate to disregard rumours.
“I cannot rig an election when we have just completed training for our ad hoc staff and materials are still being distributed,” she asserted. “It is crucial that we protect our democracy and that each stakeholder adheres to the electoral code.”
The Commissioner of Police for Anambra, Ikioye Orutugu, also reassured voters of comprehensive security measures in place to safeguard the electoral process and the safety of all participants.
“Voters are encouraged to come out peacefully and exercise their civic rights without fear of intimidation.”
The necessity of the bye-elections arose from the unfortunate deaths of Ubah, who passed away on July 28 while hospitalised in London, and Azuka, whose body was found after being reported missing following a kidnapping in December.
Ubah was a prominent figure in the Young Progressive Party (YPP), winning his seat in a landslide in 2019 and re-elected in 2023 before switching to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
With the two by-elections approaching, candidates from various political parties are vying for the vacant seats. Among them, in Onitsha North 1, contenders include Ifeoma Azikiwe of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Mrs Justina Azuka of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ezennia Chuka Ojekwe of the APC, and Njideka Ndiwe of the Young Progressive Party (YPP).
In the Anambra South Senatorial Zone, notable candidates include Chidi Donald Amamgbo of the ADC, Azuka Okwuosa of the APC, Emmanuel Nwachukwu of the APGA, and Chris Uba of the PDP.
As the elections draw near, the stakes are high for both the candidates and the constituents who have been without representation for several months. Voter turnout is anticipated to reflect the community’s desire for leadership and accountability.
