The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of sensitive election materials to local government areas in Edo State ahead of Saturday’s scheduled by-elections.
The exercise was conducted on Thursday at the Benin branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), under the close watch of political party representatives and members of civil society organisations, who were invited to observe the process.
Speaking to journalists during the event, Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Anugbum Onuoha, said the commission deliberately involved all political parties fielding candidates in the polls to promote transparency and build public confidence in the electoral process.
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“The exercise so far has been seamless, and we are fully prepared,” Onuoha stated. “The sensitive materials will be dispatched from here to the seven local government areas where the elections will take place.”
He noted that stakeholders present expressed satisfaction with the handling and movement of the materials, adding that the commission remains committed to ensuring free, fair, and credible polls.
The distribution marks a critical step in INEC’s preparations for the by-elections, which will see voters in selected constituencies across Edo State return to the polls to fill vacant legislative seats.