Olumide Abudu
Ahead of the February 3 Bye-election for the vacant seat of the Akoko NorthEast /Akoko Northwest Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has issued notice of election to stakeholders.
The seat became vacant following the resignation of the occupant, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo who was made Minister of Interior by President Bola Tinubu.
INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC in Ondo State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola while briefing political parties and other stakeholders said thirteen political parties have so far expressed interest in the Bye-election.
Mrs Babalola urged political parties to enshrine internal democracy in the conduct of party primaries in line with Electoral Act 2022 as amended.
According to the REC, INEC will ensure inclusivity, high ethical and professional standard towards free, fair, credible and acceptable election.
She promised the Commission’s readiness to be an impartial umpire while calling for voters Mobilisation by political parties.
The new INEC REC charged political parties and other stakeholders to shun violence before, during and after the Bye-election and the coming Governorship Election in Ondo State.
Responding, IPAC Chairman and Action Peoples Party, APP State Chairman, Mr Olaolua Adesanya expressed that all political parties will play according to the rules and regulations of elections conduct in Nigeria.
INEC had earlier released timetable for the conduct of the Bye-elections Ebonyi South, Yobe East Senatorial Districts, Akoko NorthEast/NorthWest, Jalingo/Yorro/Zing, Surulere 1 and Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituencies.
The Electoral body also include Chibok, Chikun and Guma State Constituencies in Borno, Kaduna and Benue States.