INEC bye-elections deployment update reveals materials are in place for August 16 polls across 12 states amid tension, rigging claims, and security alerts
INEC bye-elections deployment update has confirmed that sensitive and non-sensitive materials have been fully deployed ahead of the August 16, 2025 bye-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 Nigerian states, even as political tension and security concerns mount.
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) made the announcement through National Commissioner Mr. Sam Olumekun, who emphasized that all logistics, including BVAS configuration, training of ad hoc staff, and security coordination, were completed ahead of schedule.
The elections will take place in:
- Two Senatorial Districts (Anambra, Edo)
- Five Federal Constituencies (Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, Oyo)
- Nine State Constituencies (Adamawa, Anambra, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Niger, Taraba, Zamfara)
Amid preparations, allegations of planned rigging and insecurity have stirred political unrest. In Kaduna, the ADC and SDP accused the APC-led government of plotting to rig the polls in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency and Zaria and Sabon-Gari State Constituencies.
In response, the Kaduna State Government called the allegations “laughable,” warning of legal action against what it termed “false prophets of democracy.”
Meanwhile, INEC in Niger State has relocated polling units in five wards due to ongoing security risks, despite claims of restored peace.
Police in the state have announced vehicular movement restrictions on election day.
Security agencies have mobilized in force:
- NSCDC deployed 20,850 personnel to secure election venues and infrastructure.
- Nigeria Police in Jigawa, Oyo, and Niger confirmed heavy deployments and coordination with other forces.
- Peace accords have been signed in Oyo State, led by ICCES and the Police to promote peaceful voting.
In Ibadan North Federal Constituency, following the death of Rep. Olaide Aderemi, the Oyo State Police released emergency lines and pledged rapid response to any disruption.
The SDP National Working Committee confirmed that its candidates will be on the ballot after a court ruled in their favour against INEC’s earlier omission.
In Jigawa, INEC held strategic meetings with security chiefs and political party representatives, reading the riot act on election conduct.
Looking beyond Saturday’s polls, INEC announced that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) resumes Monday, August 18, with online registration, followed by physical registration from August 25 at 811 designated centres.
“Our systems are ready, our staff are trained, and our expectations are clear—free, fair, and credible elections,” Olumekun stated.
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As Nigeria prepares for what could be a bellwether electoral event, all eyes will be on the conduct of the elections, the performance of the security agencies, and the resilience of INEC’s electoral processes under pressure.
