The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct hitch-free polls in the August 16 by-elections in Edo State, southern Nigeria.
Speaking during a media engagement, the Resident Electoral Commissioner dismissed speculation of possible bias, reiterating the commission’s neutrality and commitment to delivering free, fair, and credible elections.
The polls will be held in Edo Central Senatorial District to fill the seat left vacant by Senator Monday Okpebholo, now the state governor, and in Ovia Northeast and Ovia Southwest Federal Constituencies, following the elevation of Mr. Dennis Idahosa to deputy governor.
Nine political parties will contest the Edo Central senatorial seat, with analysts identifying the leading contenders as Joe Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Joe Okojie of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).