The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 217,980 voters in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Oyo State, are eligible to cast their ballots in a forthcoming by-election to fill a vacant seat in Nigeria’s National Assembly.
Dr Adeniran Tella, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo State, made the announcement on Wednesday during a stakeholder meeting with political parties ahead of the poll scheduled for 16 August.
The by-election follows the death of Mr Olaide Akinremi, who had represented the constituency at the House of Representatives until his passing on 10 July 2024.
Tella explained that while Ibadan North has 272,196 registered voters spread across 12 wards and 512 polling units, only 217,980 have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and are thus eligible to vote. He noted that there would be no additional period for PVC collection before the by-election.
Preparations are already under way, he said, with many non-sensitive election materials in INEC’s possession and others—including sensitive items—expected before polling day. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines to be used are also being configured.
Nineteen registered political parties in the state are eligible to contest the by-election, with campaigning set to run from 2 August to 14 August.
Dr Tella called for the commitment of all political actors to ensure a peaceful and credible election process.
In response, Mr Adegbenro Fagbemi, Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Oyo State, urged INEC to prioritise transparency and security. He cautioned that isolated elections could be particularly sensitive if adequate measures were not in place.
The meeting was attended by representatives from major parties including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), Action People’s Party (APP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
