The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct a credible, free and fair election on February 25 in Imo, despite the ongoing violence in the state.
The state Commissioner for Population Elections, Prof. Sylvia Agu, gave the assurance on Wednesday at a press conference to announce the commission’s readiness for the election.
Agu said about 2.4 million registered voters in Imo are eligible to vote during the election.
“As at the close of work on February 3, about 375,004 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), which include 206,463 old cards, 116,734 new cards and 51,807 reprints have been collected,” he said.
Agu said more than 4,500 people who filled forms on PVC-related issues have been attended to.
The REC assured that the commission has made adequate arrangements to conduct voting in volatile areas of the state, especially Okigwe and Orsu Local Government Areas.
However, he noted that elections will not be held in the 38 polling units in the state where the commission recorded zero registration.
Agu said zero registration was recorded in Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, Ezinihite Mbaise, Ideato North, Isiala Mbano, Isu, Njaba, Ohaji / Egbema, Orlu, Oru East, Owerri Municipal and Owerri North Local Government Areas.
“On the level of preparedness, INEC in Imo State is ready for the election.
“All non-sensitive materials have been received and distributed to various local governments.
“Various trainings have been completed and the training of the chairman and assistant chairman is ongoing.
“Next training will focus on the area of registration, technical collection officers.”
Agu said that after the exercise, the commission would recruit enough ad hoc staff for the election.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that INEC has suffered as many as four attacks on its facilities since 2022 in Imo, resulting in the death of several staff of the commission.
The commission, however, reiterated its determination to hold elections, despite the attacks.