The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that it is fully prepared to conduct a seamless bye-election in the Dekina-Okura State Constituency of Kogi State, scheduled for Saturday, August 17, 2025.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja on Tuesday, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kogi, Mr. Oliver Agundu, said all logistics have been put in place to ensure a smooth electoral process. The statement was relayed through the Commission’s Education Officer, Mr. Haruna Haliru.
“All is now set for the bye-election,” Agundu affirmed.
Bye-Election Triggered by Lawmaker’s Death
The bye-election was necessitated by the death of Hon. Enema Paul, former Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, who passed away on December 14, 2024, after a long illness.
In preparation for the poll, INEC convened a strategic session of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to coordinate the protection of electoral personnel and materials before, during, and after the vote.
Agundu confirmed that non-sensitive materials have already been deployed to the local government, while sensitive materials are expected by midweek.
INEC Staff Training and Party Participation
Training for Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs)—all drawn from INEC’s staff—has been completed. Additional training sessions for Presiding Officers (POs) and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs) took place in Anyigba from August 8–10.
The bye-election will see candidates from five political parties contesting for the vacant seat:
Accord Party
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
All Progressives Congress (APC)
Allied Peoples Movement (APM)
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
INEC Urges Peaceful and Active Participation
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment, Agundu stressed that INEC is dedicated to delivering an election that is free, fair, transparent, and credible.
“We urge all registered voters in the Dekina-Okura Constituency to come out en masse, vote peacefully, and support the democratic process,” he said.
Security agencies are expected to provide adequate coverage throughout the process to ensure safety and order.
