…As Sensitive materials, training schedule, media access, and CVR plans announced ahead of August 16 poll…
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that preparations are well underway for the upcoming bye-election in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency, scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025.Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Collation Center in Ibadan on Wednesday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Oyo State, Dr. Adeniran Rahmon Tella, emphasized the Commission’s commitment to conducting a credible and peaceful election.
The bye-election follows the death of Hon. Olaide Adewale Akinremi, the former representative of the constituency, who passed away on July 10, 2024, after a brief illness.Dr. Tella explained that although the Electoral Act mandates INEC to fill such vacancies within 90 days, logistical and financial constraints initially delayed the process. However, he reassured stakeholders that all necessary arrangements are now in motion.“The Commission has received some non-sensitive election materials and expects the remaining items, including sensitive materials, to arrive ahead of the poll,” the REC stated. He also disclosed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines are currently being configured in preparation for the exercise.
INEC has opened its media accreditation portal for journalists and media organizations intending to cover the bye-election.The portal, which opened on Tuesday, July 8, will close at midnight on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Media houses are advised to complete their applications via https://imap.inecnigeria.org before the deadline, as late submissions will not be accepted.In addition, Dr. Tella announced the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in two phases — an online pre-registration beginning Monday, August 18, and physical registration set to commence on Monday, August 25.
The initiative aims to accommodate newly eligible voters ahead of the 2027 general elections and provide an opportunity for PVC collection, transfers, and replacements.A total of 19 political parties are expected to participate in the bye-election.
These include the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Action Congress (AAC), and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), among others.To ensure smooth logistics, INEC has reached out to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology for the use of 12 schools in Ibadan North LGA as Registration Area Centers (RACs). Training for electoral personnel has also been scheduled: Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) on July 31, Presiding and Assistant Presiding Officers between August 7–9, and Collation Officers on August 13. All training sessions will be held at Oba Akinbiyi High School in Oremeji-Mokola, Ibadan.Dr. Tella concluded by calling for the cooperation of political parties, security agencies, civil society groups, and voters in ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.“The success of this bye-election rests on our collective commitment to fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. Let us make this a model for future elections,” he urged.
