By Our Correspondent.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced on Wednesday that guidelines for the by-election to replace the late Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented the Anambra South Senatorial District, have not been released yet.
Ubah passed away in July 2024.
According to the law, a by-election must be held within 90 days after the seat is declared vacant.
However, about two months ago, INEC stated that the Senate had not notified it about Ubah’s demise.
At a media interaction on Wednesday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, confirmed that the guidelines for the election were not yet available.
She assured the electorate that INEC has no preferred candidates for the Anambra State gubernatorial and legislative elections.
Dr. Agwu recalled that the Anambra gubernatorial poll is scheduled to hold on November 8, 2025, and that the deaths of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and Hon. Justice Azuka have created vacancies for two more elections.
According to her, INEC will provide an enabling environment for all aspirants, candidates, and political parties to participate actively in the elections.
The commission will also ensure that eligible voters can vote for candidates of their choice, following INEC guidelines and the Electoral Act.
Agwu added that INEC would redeploy necessary manpower and resources for the election once the guidelines are made available.
“We will give all candidates equal rights and opportunities to participate in the elections. INEC has no preferred candidates.
“We will allow Nigerians, all eligible voters in Anambra State, to choose who they wish to govern or represent them,” she noted.
Dr. Agwu urged the electorate to participate actively in all processes leading to the conduct of the election, including voter revalidation, once commenced.
