INEC'

Enugu Deploys Over 4,000 Security Personnel for Council Polls

Published

1 year ago

September 18, 2024

The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) has announced the deployment of at least 4,145 security personnel to ensure smooth conduct of the local government elections scheduled for September 21. The council polls will elect candidates for 17 chairmanship positions and 260 ward councilorship seats across the state.

In a briefing on Wednesday in Enugu, ENSIEC Chairman, Christian Ngwu, disclosed that the commission is working closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the lead agency for security during the elections, to finalize the deployment of personnel. Ngwu assured that each of the 4,145 polling units in the state’s 17 local government areas would have at least one security officer on duty.

“The security personnel to be deployed will be fully armed and they will ensure that no one causes obstruction to the voting exercise on Saturday,” Ngwu emphasized, underscoring the commission’s commitment to maintaining order throughout the voting process.

According to Ngwu, ENSIEC has taken all necessary steps to ensure the elections are free, fair, and credible. He confirmed that all non-sensitive materials for the election have been received and are securely stored in preparation for the polls. Sensitive materials, such as ballot papers, will be received shortly before the election to prevent any compromise.

“ENSIEC is fully prepared for free, fair, and credible council polls on Saturday. We want all eligible voters to come out en masse to elect their preferred candidates without fear or favour on the D-day,” Ngwu stated.

In addition to security arrangements, ENSIEC has also recruited 12,800 ad hoc electoral staff to ensure the efficient management of the election process. The commission expects around two million registered voters to participate in the elections, a turnout that could significantly shape local governance in Enugu State.

As the countdown to election day continues, the state government and electoral commission have ramped up public awareness campaigns, urging voters to exercise their civic rights responsibly. Political parties and candidates have been actively canvassing for support in what is expected to be a competitive race in several local councils.

Abuja Reports

All Eyes on INEC as 1.68m FCT Voters Elect Six Chairmen, 62 Councillors

Published

2 weeks ago

February 20, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

By Patrick Idowu

No fewer than 1,680,315 registered voters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are set to vote across 2,822 polling units tomorrow to elect six Area Council chairmen and 62 councillors.

A total of 570 candidates are contesting for chairman, vice-chairman and councillorship positions under 17 political parties cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The elections will be held in Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali Area Councils.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), disclosed at a stakeholders’ meeting that 106,099 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were collected before the February 10 deadline.

He added that 89 observer groups and 700 journalists from 72 media organisations have been accredited.

According to him, 11,873 polling officials, alongside supervisory and technical staff, will be deployed, while the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be used in all polling units. The commission has also arranged vehicles, motorcycles and boats for logistics.

Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command has announced a restriction of movement from 6am to 6pm on election day.

In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said only essential and accredited election personnel would be exempted. She added that security operatives, including the Army, Air Force, Navy, DSS and NSCDC, have been deployed to ensure a peaceful poll.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, urged officers to maintain professionalism and provide adequate security at polling units and collation centres.

2027 General Elections

PDP Blasts Senate Over E-Transmission Clause

Published

3 weeks ago

February 11, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

By Olokuta Rofiat

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the Senate’s decision on electronic transmission of election results, describing it as a “backdoor plot” capable of undermining electoral transparency.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, the party faulted the Electoral Act amendment, particularly the provision allowing manual transmission of results where electronic upload fails.

The PDP argued that while the Senate approved electronic transmission, retaining manual alternatives creates loopholes that could be exploited to manipulate results.

It said Nigerians had demanded strict real-time electronic transmission from polling units to boost credibility and reduce post-election disputes, warning that any clause that weakens the requirement could erode public confidence.

The party urged the National Assembly to adopt a clearer and stronger provision during the harmonisation process between the Senate and the House of Representatives, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Senate’s position has continued to draw mixed reactions from political stakeholders and civil society groups.

INEC'

FCT Polls: INEC Urges Voters to Confirm Polling Units Early

Published

3 weeks ago

February 11, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

By Patrick Idowu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to use its digital platforms to confirm their polling units ahead of the Area Council elections scheduled for February 21.

The INEC Administrative Secretary for the FCT, Mrs. Abimbola Oladunjoye, gave the advice in Abuja on Monday, warning voters not to wait until election day before locating their voting points.

According to her, voters who are unsure of their polling unit details can visit voters.inecnigeria.org and enter their information to view their polling unit and directions.

She added that those who know their polling unit name or code but are unsure of its physical location can use the Polling Unit Locator Tool on pula.inecnigeria.org, where they can select the FCT, ward and polling unit to get directions.

Oladunjoye also said voters can use inecnigeria.org/location to access Google Maps directions by inputting polling unit details.

She further noted that INEC will paste the register of voters at every polling unit four to five days before the election to assist residents.