The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials ahead of the by-elections in Anambra South Senatorial District and Onitsha North 1 State Constituency, scheduled for August 16. The exercise took place at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Awka, with representatives of political parties, security agencies, and media in attendance.
Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Anambra, explained that sensitive materials—including ballot papers, results sheets, and Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices—were received on Wednesday night, while non-sensitive items had already been secured by the commission. All materials were verified and signed for before being transported to the eight local government areas where voting will take place.
The by-elections aim to fill the vacant Senate seat of the late Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah of the Young Progressives Party and the Onitsha North 1 State House of Assembly seat of the late Mr. Justice Azuka of the Labour Party. Agwu urged eligible voters to participate actively, dismissing rumours about pre-determined results or rigging, and assuring that adequate security measures are in place.
A total of 8,400 ad hoc staff, with four assigned per polling unit, will support the elections. Security arrangements include deployment of the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), and other agencies to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and incident-free voting process.