INEC Begins Distributing Sensitive Materials for Nasarawa North By‑Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) began distributing sensitive election materials for the Nasarawa North Senatorial District by‑election scheduled for June 20.

Mallam Mohammed Abubakar‑Sadiq, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Nasarawa State, announced the start of the distribution while speaking to journalists at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Lafia.

He described the sensitive materials as essential for the election, noting that they included ballot papers and result sheets.

The distribution took place in the presence of political party representatives, security agencies and electoral officers to ensure transparency and accountability.

“The electoral officers are here, political parties are here, and the security agencies are also here to witness the distribution before the materials are moved to the various local government areas,” Abubakar‑Sadiq said.

The REC explained that the Nasarawa North Senatorial District covers Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon and Wamba Local Government Areas, with 35 registration areas and 583 polling units.

He added that voting will begin at 8.30 a.m. and finish at 2.30 p.m. on Saturday.

Abubakar‑Sadiq said INEC has recruited and trained all ad hoc personnel who will be deployed from the Registration Area Centres (RACs) to the polling units on election day.

He assured voters that adequate arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth exercise.

When asked about security and logistics, the REC said INEC has implemented necessary measures to protect personnel, election materials and voters.

“We have taken decisive measures in ensuring the safety and security of our men, materials and the registered voters, who will have a conducive environment to exercise their franchise,” he said.

“The security agencies have given us their assurances, and deployment orders have been issued. We are confident of a successful exercise,” he added.

Abubakar‑Sadiq also revealed that the commission received additional support from two Resident Electoral Commissioners from Osun and Bauchi states, as well as officials from INEC headquarters.

The support team includes technical personnel responsible for the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), who will provide immediate troubleshooting during the election.

Mallam Mohammed Haruna, INEC National Commissioner supervising Nasarawa, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), expressed satisfaction with the preparations for the poll.

Haruna said the peaceful distribution of sensitive materials in the presence of stakeholders demonstrated INEC’s commitment to a credible election.

He noted that INEC has enhanced its election management process through technology to strengthen transparency.

According to him, the commission has introduced an electronic version of the INEC Result Viewing portal (IReV) to improve the integrity of result uploads.

He explained that under the new process, the electronic copy of results generated at the polling unit must match the uploaded result before it can be accepted on the IReV portal.

“If there is any discrepancy, the result will not upload until the issue is resolved between the presiding officer and the polling agents,” he said.

Haruna said his supervisory role is to ensure all preparations meet the commission’s standards, and he is satisfied with the readiness for Saturday’s by‑election.

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