The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Imo State, has said it is ready to conduct the February 26, 2022 bye election for Ngor Okpala State Constituency.
The Commission is conducting similar elections in six other states of the Federation.
INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the State, Prof Francis Ezeonu, disclosed this when he hosted Exco members of National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Imo State chapter, at the Commission’s headquarters in Owerri.
He however noted that the electoral umpire in the State has been hit by some challenges such as burning of its offices in some local governments, insecurity and lack of adequate manpower.
Ezeonu made it clear that the Commission remains impartial, because it is not affiliated to any group or individual.
INEC is holding the Ngor Okpala bye election after the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Kennedy Ibe, declared the seat vacant after the member representing the Constituency, absconded from sitting.
In her remarks, the Chairman of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NWAOJ lmo state chapter,Mrs Dorothy Nnaji, PhD, has called on INEC to check the high rate of Voter apathy in the state.