INEC Ready for Court-Ordered Rerun Elections in Enugu, Sets Date for February 3rd, 2024

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Enugu, headed by Resident Electoral Commissioner Mr Chukwuemeka Chukwu, declared its readiness to conduct court-ordered rerun elections on February 3rd, 2024. The announcement came during a stakeholders briefing at the commission’s headquarters in Enugu.

Mr Chukwuemeka Chukwu outlined the extent of the rerun, specifying that 175 polling units were affected, with 55 in Udenu, 110 in Igboeze North, and 8 in Enugu South urban. He assured the public that INEC was fully prepared, having distributed all necessary materials, except sensitive ones, which would be handled at the appropriate time at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Emphasizing INEC’s commitment to ensuring a smooth electoral process, Mr Chukwu urged stakeholders’ support for free, fair, and credible elections in Enugu state. He expressed gratitude for the support received during the initial phase and conveyed confidence that unity of purpose would lead to a successful election.

During the stakeholders’ interaction, questions arose about the possibility of fresh voter registration, participation of other political parties, submission of new agent lists, and collection of new tags. Mr Chukwu clarified that there would be no new agent list submissions, no fresh voter registration or PVC collection, and that INEC would provide fresh agent tags for all political parties in the affected polling units.

Highlighting that the election is a continuation of the 2023 election with no new additions, Mr Chukwu assured stakeholders that any changes would align with the electoral act. The meeting also addressed concerns about the inclusion of persons with disabilities, with the commission affirming its commitment to providing necessary cooperation.

Noteworthy attendees included state chairmen and representatives of major political parties such as PDP, Labour Party, APC, Accord, SDP, AC, PRP, NRC, along with traditional rulers from affected areas. The collective engagement aimed to reinforce the transparency and credibility of the upcoming court-ordered rerun elections in Enugu State.