The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 12 political parties will participate in the upcoming Anambra South Senatorial bye-election scheduled for August 16, alongside nine parties contesting the Onitsha North Constituency 1 State Assembly seat.
The bye-elections follow the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra South in the National Assembly, and Mr Justice Azuka, the Onitsha North lawmaker who was reportedly abducted and killed in December 2024.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Anambra, Dr Elizabeth Agwu, assured voters of a transparent and credible process. She revealed that non-sensitive materials had been distributed across the affected areas, and security arrangements were in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls.
Agwu also confirmed that training for ad hoc staff—including Presiding and Assistant Presiding Officers—was already underway in 15 local government areas and would conclude ahead of schedule.
“To strengthen credibility, individuals previously involved in electoral misconduct have been blacklisted,” she said, adding that INEC remains impartial and committed to allowing voters to decide their representatives.
While expressing concern over the use of propaganda by some political parties, Agwu urged candidates to focus on issue-based campaigns and respect the will of the electorate.
Among the leading candidates for the Anambra South Senate seat are Donald Amangbo (ADC), Azuka Okwuosa (APC), Peter Ekwueme (NNPP), Azubuike Okoli (YPP), and Emma Nwachukwu (APGA), among others.
