INEC ready for rerun polls in Enugu, says REC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is prepared to conduct rerun elections in some parts of Enugu state on February 3.

Chukwuemeka Chukwu, the state resident electoral commissioner (REC) spoke on Thursday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Enugu.

The appeal court had ordered rerun in Udenu/Igbo-eze north federal constituency and Enugu south urban state constituency, respectively.

Chukwu said both elections would be conducted in 25 registration areas, totalling 173 polling units.

“Working under the order of the court, which specified 90 days for conduct of the rerun elections, the commission has fixed February 3 for the exercise,” NAN quoted the REC as saying.

“We are prepared and have made necessary arrangements for hitch-free and inclusive rerun elections. That is the essence of this important stakeholders’ meeting.

“Presently, we have non-sensitive materials in INEC offices in the various LGAs involved in the exercise.

“The stakeholders will be carried along to unveil and monitor the sensitive materials as they arrive a few hours to the election day through the Central Bank of Nigeria, Enugu branch.”

The REC said all the political parties that took part in the initial election would be participating in the rerun poll.

He said the commission expects maximum cooperation from the political parties for a successful exercise.

“INEC is poised to conduct free, fair, credible and transparent rerun elections,” he said.

“Personally, I am also assuring stakeholders of keeping to the commencement time of 8 a.m.

The stakeholders, who spoke at the meeting, pledged to assist and cooperate with INEC officials for peaceful and rancour-free rerun elections.