Zamfara bye-election: INEC holds stakeholders’ summit

From John Bassey, Gusau

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

The meeting was held yesterday at the New Conference Hall, state collation centre of INEC in Gusau, the state capital.

Zamfara State INEC commissioner, Dr. Mahmuda Isah said the strategic gathering with the stakeholders was necessary as a result of the death of late Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar Daji, the State House of Assembly member, who represented Kaura Namoda South constituency of Zamfara state on April 9.

Consequent upon his death, Zamfara State House of Assembly declared his seat vacant in line with the provision of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, through a letter to the INEC chairman on April 16. He disclosed that a formal letter would be placed at INEC office and the six registration areas on July 6 to notify everyone about the planned events.

“The Commission has also approved the resumption of Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) nationwide with online pre-registration on August 18 and in-person registration on August 25. All INEC offices nationwide and other designated registration centres would be duly informed.”

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

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

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