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INEC confirms five candidates on the ballot
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217,980 PVC holders eligible to vote across 12 wards
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All candidates sign peace accord ahead of Saturday’s poll
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that 217,980 registered voters who collected their Permanent Voter Cards will decide the fate of five candidates contesting today’s bye-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
The exercise was triggered by the death of Hon. Musliudeen Olaide Akinremi of the All Progressives Congress in July last year, creating a vacuum in the House of Representatives.
INEC disclosed that though it monitored the primaries of seven political parties, only five were cleared for the ballot. Ahead of the poll, the candidates were brought together to sign a peace accord at the INEC office in Ibadan, witnessed by security chiefs and political stakeholders.
Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Adeniran Rahmon Tella, presided over the signing and underscored the significance of the event.
He said: “On behalf of the Independent National Electoral Commission, it is my pleasure to welcome you all to this significant event – the official signing of the Peace Accord for Ibadan North Federal Constituency Bye-Election. This gathering demonstrates your commitment to promoting peace, stability and credibility in the electoral process.”
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He added: “The signing of this Peace Accord is a crucial step towards ensuring a free, fair and transparent election. Let us work together to create an environment that allows voters to exercise their rights without fear or intimidation.”
The commission confirmed that 2,062 officials have been deployed with 526 Bimodal Verification Accreditation System machines and 48 backups to handle accreditation. Sensitive materials, including ballot papers and result sheets, were distributed earlier under strict supervision, while 18 media organisations have been accredited to cover the exercise.
Dr. Tella assured that the commission is fully prepared for a transparent process, warning against intimidation, inducement, and any action capable of undermining the integrity of the election. He reminded voters that polling will hold from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
