INEC assures of readiness to hold Reps rerun elections in Anambra

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has assured that it is ready to hold rerun elections to fill two seats in the House of Representatives.

The mandates of lawmakers representing Orumba North and South; and Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ekwusigo federal constituencies of Anambra State were nullified by the court.

In a press briefing held at the INEC headquarters in Awka, the organisation said it has mobilised both human and material resources, including security for a credible election on February 3, 2024.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Anambra State, Dr Elizabeth Agwu, who briefed journalists, assured the residents, especially voters that their votes would count, adding that none would be intimidated or disfranchised.

She said: “Do not be compromised. Vote for the best candidates that can represent you well. Do not say you won’t vote again because anyone is leading before.

“If you know the candidate you voted for before is still the same person you will vote for, come out to vote for him or her again. If you want to vote for another candidate, you are free to do so too. The election is going to be free, fair and credible.

“You will not be intimidated or molested by anyone. There will be enough security. Do not allow anyone to use you as a thug or escape goat. There will be no room for manipulation, vote buying or vote selling. The 2022 INEC electoral Act is against this and by you will be prosecuted. All the candidates can still mobilise votes but political campaigns end two days to election date.”

Elections would be held at 16 polling units at Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area to determine the representative for Orumba North and Orumba South federal constituency.

Also, elections would be held in five polling units in Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area, to determine the representative of Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo federal constituency.

The INEC REC said the total numbers of affected voters at affected polling units in Nnewi North are 97,438 while that of Orumba North are 161,914 voters.