Zamfara by-election: INEC holds stakeholders’ summit

From John Bassey, Gusau

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Zamfara State has convened a one-day summit for all stakeholders within the state in preparation for the planned by-election slated for Saturday, August 16, 2025.

The meeting was held today at the New Conference Hall, State Collation Centre of INEC in Gusau, the state capital.

Speaking at the occasion, the Zamfara State INEC Commissioner, Dr Mahmuda Isah, said the strategic gathering with stakeholders was necessary due to the passing of the late Honourable Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar Daji, the State House of Assembly member who represented Kaura Namoda South constituency of Zamfara State on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

Following his death, the Zamfara State House of Assembly declared his seat vacant in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, through a letter to the INEC Chairman on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

Accordingly, INEC, in its constitutional duty to conduct elections, slated Saturday, August 16, 2025, for the by-election to install a credible candidate to represent Kaura Namoda South constituency.

He disclosed that a formal letter would be placed at the INEC office and the six registration areas on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, to notify everyone of the planned events.

“The Commission has also approved the resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) nationwide with online pre-registration on Monday, August 18, 2025, followed by in-person registration on Monday, August 25, 2025 (http://cv.inecnigeria.org). All INEC offices nationwide and other designated registration centres will be duly informed,” he said.

Dr Isah maintained that, for an election to be successful, stakeholders, the media, and INEC must play their roles collectively.

He appealed to stakeholders to advocate for peace and intensify efforts to combat vote buying, thuggery, and fake news.

The summit was attended by the Emir of Zamfara, Anka, the Emir of Katsina, Gusau, the Emir of Kaura Namoda, and other dignitaries.