INEC Pledges Credible Kaduna Bye-Elections, Engages Stakeholders Ahead of August 16 Polls
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting transparent and credible bye-elections in Kaduna State, scheduled for August 16, 2025.
Professor Saidu Babura-Ahmad, the newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, made this known during a stakeholder engagement session held in Kaduna on Friday.
The upcoming elections will take place in three constituencies: Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Zaria Kewaye, and Zaria Sabon Gari State Constituencies. According to Prof. Babura-Ahmad, INEC has mapped out 33 registration areas and 1,169 polling units for the exercise.
“To ensure smooth operations, we’ll be deploying 4,829 ad hoc personnel and over 947 vehicles,” he stated. “Preparations are in full swing, and we are working round-the-clock to deliver free, fair, and peaceful elections.”
The REC emphasized that INEC is working closely with political stakeholders and security agencies to guarantee a level playing field for all candidates. He assured the public that security arrangements are being made to safeguard both voters and electoral officials, especially in volatile areas.
“No voter will be left behind, including those in hard-to-reach and high-risk locations,” he added, noting that innovative transportation solutions will be employed to ensure full coverage.
Support also came from civil society and sectoral representatives. The state Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Hassan Ibrahim, pledged logistical support for the elections. Meanwhile, representatives from the Nigerian Union of Journalists and the News Agency of Nigeria highlighted the importance of media engagement in promoting electoral integrity.
INEC’s Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Hajiya Rukaiyatu Sani-Imam, revealed that extensive sensitization campaigns are ongoing to boost voter participation across the state.
Several speakers at the event commended INEC’s proactive approach and called for more efforts to address voter apathy and ongoing security concerns in the affected constituencies.
