The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kano State says it is fully prepared to conduct peaceful, credible, and transparent by-elections in parts of the state on Saturday, Aug. 16.
The State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Amb. Abdu Zango, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kano on Thursday.
Zango said the State Assembly by-elections would take place in Bagwai/Shanono and Ghari (Kunchi)/Tsanyawa Local Government Areas.
He said non-sensitive materials were dispatched to the local governments three weeks ago, sorted according to registration areas and polling units, while sensitive materials had arrived for onward distribution.
“We are starting the election at 8:30 a.m. prompt, in line with standard directives, and all arrangements have been completed,” he said.
He added that all 1,400 ad hoc staff had been trained, deployed, and were already at their respective locations to ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise.
The REC explained that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices had been configured, tested, and charged, noting that only voters with valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would be allowed to vote.
On security, Zango said the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) had assured the commission of adequate personnel and resources to guarantee safety before, during, and after the polls.
He said stop-and-search operations and other security measures had already commenced in the affected areas.
“We have zero tolerance for lack of transparency or partisanship. INEC remains neutral. The only political party we recognise is the citizens, and whoever they choose will be declared winner,” he said.
Zango said the Ghari election was a court-ordered rerun in 10 polling units, with 5,200 registered voters, contested by the APC and NNPP.
He added that about 75,000 registered voters would participate in the Bagwai election, which has candidates from 11 political parties.
The REC said political parties and candidates had signed a peace accord to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid violence.
He said polling unit results would be announced at the respective units before being taken to the Registration Area Centres (RAC) for collation and declaration.
He added that the Ghari supplementary poll collation would take place at INEC headquarters.
Zango urged voters to come out en masse to exercise their franchise without fear, assuring them of safety and the integrity of the process.