The Independent National Electoral Commission held a crucial stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday at its office in Babura, Jigawa State, as part of preparations for the upcoming by-election in the Babura/Garki Federal Constituency.
PUNCH Online reports that the by-election was necessitated by the death of the constituency’s representative, Isa Yaro, who passed away on May 10, 2024, at the age of 46.
To fill the vacant seat, the by-election has been scheduled by INEC for August 16, 2025.
Interest in the election is high, with the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party nominating Rabiu Mukhtar and Auwalu Manzo, respectively, as their candidates.
The meeting brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including security agencies, political party representatives, community leaders, and members of transport workers’ unions.
Speaking during the meeting, the Electoral Officer of Babura Local Government, Hafiz Khalid, outlined the schedule of election activities and emphasised the importance of cooperation and transparency at every stage.
According to him, the by-election is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation and support of all stakeholders.
Khalid described the meeting as a platform for stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the success of the electoral process and urged everyone present to work together to ensure a peaceful, free, fair, and credible election.
Stakeholders at the meeting made valuable contributions and raised critical questions aimed at enhancing the credibility and smooth conduct of the electoral process.
Logistics, security, voter sensitisation, and the conduct of political parties were among the key issues discussed during the two-hour meeting.
In his remarks, the District Head of Babura, Alhaji Muhd Mustapha, who was present at the meeting, expressed his commitment to supporting INEC and ensuring a peaceful election.
“We will work with INEC to ensure that the by-election is successful,” he said.
Also speaking after the meeting, Nura Abubakar, a representative of a community-based organisation, expressed confidence in INEC’s capacity to deliver a credible process.
“We are optimistic that INEC will do the needful and ensure that the by-election is free and fair,” he said.
Another stakeholder, Haruna Aminu of the National Association of Road Transport Owners, said:
“We are educated on the task ahead of us and the contribution expected from us in the electoral process,” he said.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work in synergy to ensure the by-election’s success. Participants pledged to support INEC’s efforts in delivering a peaceful and credible exercise.
Representatives of security agencies also assured of their readiness to provide adequate security.
“We will ensure that the election is peaceful and secure,” said one security officer who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
He added, “The meeting was successful as INEC showed its level of commitment to transparency and accountability in the forthcoming electoral process. INEC officials assured us in front of all stakeholders that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure a credible election.”
The Babura/Garki by-election is shaping up to be a closely contested race, with multiple political parties vying to fill the vacant seat.
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