Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has expressed concerns about potential disruptions to the upcoming re-run and bye-elections scheduled for February 3 in various parts of the country.

During the first quarterly meeting of the Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) on Tuesday, January 23, Prof. Yakubu urged security agencies to create a conducive environment for the smooth conduct of the elections.

He emphasized the challenges associated with isolated elections such as bye-elections and re-run elections, highlighting the susceptibility to disruptive behavior by certain candidates and their supporters. Prof. Yakubu particularly noted the vulnerability of re-run elections held in a limited number of Polling Units (PUs) where acts of thuggery can significantly impact the outcome.

Addressing concerns arising from reports received from various states, the INEC Chairman cited the prevailing insecurity in some regions, exacerbated by inflammatory statements made by certain political figures. He outlined two categories of elections: bye-elections resulting from the death or resignation of members of the National and State legislative houses, and re-run elections mandated by Election Petition Appeal Tribunals.

Prof. Yakubu previously reported at the Commission’s extraordinary meeting with political party leaders that the elections would affect 35 national and state constituencies. However, he updated this information, revealing that four additional Court of Appeal orders had been served on the commission, affecting constituencies in Sokoto, Bauchi, and Kaduna States. Consequently, the total number of affected constituencies has increased to 39, constituting 2.6% of the 1,491 constituencies where elections were conducted nationwide in the 2023 General Election.

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