Sensitise Your Members for Peaceful By-elections, INEC Charges Parties in Jigawa
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Jigawa State has called on political parties to educate and sensitise their supporters to ensure the peaceful conduct of the upcoming by-election in the Garki/Babura Federal Constituency.
The call was made on Wednesday by the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Jigawa, Professor Mahammad Lawan, during a stakeholder meeting held at the Commission’s conference hall in Dutse, the state capital.
The by-election, scheduled for August 16, 2025, was necessitated by the death of Hon. Isa Dogon Yaro, the federal lawmaker representing the constituency, who passed away on May 9, 2024.
Speaking during the meeting, Professor Lawan noted that preparations for the by-election were well underway. “Out of the 100 per cent preparation target, more than 30 per cent has already been completed,” he said. He further revealed that the upgrading of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines had been fully completed, marking what he described as a “significant milestone” in the Commission’s readiness.
However, the INEC chief emphasized the importance of voter education and public awareness, describing it as a critical component of a credible and peaceful electoral process.
“Some work still needs to be done, particularly on voter education and sensitisation, which is a key element in achieving the successful conduct of the by-elections,” he added.
Lawan assured all stakeholders that both sensitive and non-sensitive materials required for the polls would be fully provided well ahead of the election date. He called for stronger collaboration from security agencies, political parties, and community leaders in supporting INEC’s efforts to deliver a free, fair, and peaceful election.
“The success of the by-election will depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including INEC, security agencies, political parties, and prospective voters,” he said.
The meeting drew participation from a broad spectrum of electoral stakeholders, including representatives of political parties, civil society organisations, security agencies, and traditional leaders.
Attendees commended the Commission for the progress achieved so far and pledged their support to ensure a credible and violence-free electoral exercise.
The Garki/Babura federal constituency by-election is seen as a litmus test for the Commission’s readiness to conduct smooth off-cycle elections in the buildup to future national polls.
