Ibadan North by-election will see 217,980 voters elect a new representative as INEC prepares for a credible and peaceful process in Oyo State

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]badan North by-election will take place on August 16 following the unfortunate death of Honourable Olaide Akinremi, the former representative at the House of Representatives.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission has officially announced the schedule, confirming that 217,980 eligible voters in the constituency will cast their ballots.

The by-election has drawn considerable political attention, with 19 registered political parties cleared to contest. Campaigns are set to run from August 2 to August 14, giving candidates a tight window to reach voters.

During a recent stakeholders’ meeting held in Ibadan, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo State, Dr Adeniran Tella, addressed political party representatives and other key figures in the electoral process.

He confirmed that Ibadan North comprises 12 wards and 512 polling units. Of the 272,196 registered voters, only 217,980 have collected their Permanent Voter Cards, and only they will be allowed to vote.

“There will be no further PVC distribution before the by-election,” Tella stated firmly. He assured stakeholders that many of the non-sensitive materials needed for the vote are already available.

He also confirmed that sensitive items will arrive before the election date.

Tella said that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices, which will be used during the election, are currently being activated and tested.

These devices are expected to ensure the accuracy and security of voter identification, addressing past issues of impersonation and electoral fraud.

The Resident Commissioner used the opportunity to appeal for cooperation from all parties involved. He urged politicians, security agents, and community leaders to work together in ensuring a peaceful, inclusive, and transparent electoral process.

In response, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Oyo State, Mr Adegbenro Fagbemi, called on the electoral body to uphold the highest standards.

“INEC must conduct a transparent and credible by-election. We can’t afford to see violence or misconduct undermine this democratic exercise,” he said.

He emphasised the need for heightened security, warning that isolated elections often face greater risks of unrest if not properly monitored.

His warning follows concerns from previous by-elections in the country that were marred by tension and logistical delays.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that representatives from major political parties were in attendance. These included the People’s Democratic Party, the All Progressives Congress, Labour Party, Action People’s Party, Social Democratic Party, and Zenith Labour Party.

Each party voiced support for a fair election, though behind closed doors, tensions remain high. The by-election will not only fill a vacant seat but also serve as a litmus test for electoral integrity in the region.

Residents in Ibadan North have expressed mixed feelings about the coming vote. While some are eager to see a continuation of Akinremi’s legacy, others are calling for new leadership with a stronger focus on community development and transparency.

“I just hope our votes count this time,” said Folake Adeniji, a civil servant who lives in the constituency. “Too many times, we have queued under the sun only to feel like it didn’t matter. Let this one be different.”

The August 16 by-election is expected to be monitored by local observers and civil society groups. Their presence is intended to boost public trust in the process, which has historically been a point of contention in Nigerian elections.

INEC has reaffirmed its readiness to ensure a peaceful process and has called on political leaders to caution their supporters against violence or vote buying.