INEC urges peaceful participation in Enugu North by-election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is committed to conducting a free, fair and credible Enugu North Senatorial District by-election scheduled for 20 June, 2026.

The election is expected to fill the vacant seat left by the late Senator Okey Ezea.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Enugu State, Dr Chukwuemeka Chukwu, gave the assurance on Monday during a press briefing in Enugu, saying the poll would be conducted across the six local government areas of the senatorial district, including Udenu, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Nsukka, Igbo-Etiti and Uzo-Uwani.

Dr Chukwu said the commission had commenced voter sensitisation ahead of the exercise, aimed at encouraging peaceful participation and increasing awareness of electoral processes.

“INEC remains firmly committed to conducting elections that are free, fair, credible, inclusive and transparent in line with its constitutional mandate,” he said.

He also announced the commencement of Phase III of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in the state from 11 May, 2026.

According to him, the exercise will include online pre-registration and physical registration at designated centres across Enugu State, as well as transfers and corrections of voter details in line with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.

Dr Chukwu disclosed that 21,937 new voters were registered during Phase I of the CVR conducted between 18 August and 10 December, 2025, while 45,814 additional voters were registered during Phase II between 5 January and 17 April, 2026.

“Cumulatively, the commission has successfully registered a total of 67,751 new voters in Enugu State during Phases I and II of the Continuous Voter Registration Exercise,” he said.

“These figures demonstrate the growing interest and active participation of citizens in the democratic process.”

He added that Phase III would include the rotation of INEC Voter Enrolment Devices (IVEDs) to improve access and efficiency, and would run until 10 July, 2026.

The REC urged eligible citizens to take advantage of the exercise, while calling on political parties, candidates, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, youth groups and religious leaders to support a peaceful electoral process.

He assured residents of the commission’s commitment to neutrality, professionalism, transparency and inclusiveness throughout the exercise.