The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says preparations are effectively in place for the forthcoming Yobe East Senatorial bye-election.
Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) disclosed this at a news conference on Tuesday in Damaturu.
According to him, electoral activities would take place in eight local government areas, 75 registration areas and 993 polling units that make up Yobe East Senatorial Constituency and one in Fika town.
Abudullahi said a total of 4,232 adhoc staff had been earmarked for deployment while 1,339 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAs) machines would be used for accreditation.
He added that the configuration of BVAs has been completed.
The REC said the commission had concluded training of election officials including Supervisory Presiding Officers, Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers.
He also revealed that briefing for Collation Officers would take place soon.
Apart from public enlightenment, the Commission had met severally with the Interagency Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to review and get update on the security of the affected LGAs.
“Part of our non-sensitive materials have already been moved to the respective local government areas.
“We are awaiting the shortfall to be supplied from our headquarters any moment from now. Hopefully, the sensitive materials will arrive any time from Monday 31, January” he said.
Abdullahi said that the five political parties fielding candidates for the election are; ADC, APC, APGA, NNPP and PDP.
“Campaigns are presently going on by these parties and by law, campaigns are to stop 24 hours to the day of election that is Jan 31, 2024” he said.
He said all media organisations that had done accreditation would hopefully get their identity cards before the election day.
“Furthermore, polling units will be opened for voting at 8:30 AM and shall be closed by 2:30 p.m and voting closes immediately the last person on the queue must have voted,” the REC said.
