The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), said no fewer than 4,613,197 Permanent Voters’ Cards have been collected by voters for the February 3 rerun/by-elections.
The INEC made this known in a document posted on its X handle on Sunday.
In a bid to ensure the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process, the INEC is set to deploy the Bimodal Voters Authentication System. This advanced technology aims to authenticate voters using a dual-process verification system, enhancing the accuracy and security of the electoral exercise. With 8,500 units of this technology to be deployed, Plateau Central is at the forefront of adopting innovative solutions to uphold the sanctity of the ballot.6
To facilitate the smooth conduct of the rerun elections, over 35,000 ad-hoc staff members will be deployed across the designated polling units. These individuals, meticulously selected and trained, play a critical role in ensuring that the electoral process adheres to the highest standards of fairness and transparency. Their dedication and impartiality are vital elements in fostering public trust in the democratic process.
A cornerstone of democratic participation, the Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) represents the voice of the citizens. In preparation for the rerun/by-elections on February 3, an impressive 4,613,197 PVCs have been collected by voters. This high number underscores the engagement and commitment of the electorate in Plateau Central, as they prepare to exercise their democratic right and influence the direction of their representation.
According to the document released by INEC, 2,189,171 PVCs were collected by voters for the by-elections while 2,424,026 PVCs were collected for the rerun elections.
It was learnt that no fewer than 8,500 Bimodal Voters Authentication System and over 35,000 ad-hoc staff would be deployed for the elections.
According to the commission, 74 domestic observers and one international observer will observe the February 3 elections.
By-elections will be conducted in two senatorial districts; (Ebonyi South, Ebonyi State and Yobe East, Yobe State); three state constituencies, (Chibok State Constituency, Borno State; Chikun State constituency, Kaduna State; and Guma State Constituency, Benue State); and four federal constituencies, (Akoko North East/Akoko North-West Federal Constituency, Ondo State; Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency, Taraba State; Surulere 1 Federal Constituency, Lagos State; and Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency, Kebbi State.)
The court-ordered rerun elections will be held in one Senatorial district of Plateau Central, and 13 federal constituencies.
The Federal constituencies include Surulere 1 (Lagos), Gauri/Shanta/Ingaski and Arewa/Dandi (Kebbi), Akoko North East/North West (Ondo), Jalingo/Yorro/Zing (Taraba), Ikono/Ini (Akwa Ibom); Akamkpa/Biase (Cross River State); and Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency of (Sokoto State).
Others are Nnewi North/Nnewi South and Orumba North/Orumba South (Anambra), Igbo Eze North/Udenu (Enugu), Birnin Kudu/Buji (Jigawa), Igabi and Kachia/Kagarko (Kaduna), Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa (Katsina), Jos North/Bases (Plateau) and Fine/Fune (Yobe).
Rerun elections would be held in the following state constituencies, (Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.).