Mathew Amaechi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pointed fingers at the Senate for the delay in conducting the Anambra South Senatorial District election. According to Dr. Elizabeth Agu, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra, the electoral body is ready to conduct the election but is awaiting a request from the Senate to fill the vacant seat left by the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who passed away in July last year.
As stipulated by the Constitution, a bye-election should have been conducted within 90 days after the senator’s demise. However, the process has been stalled due to the Senate’s failure to request the election.Agu emphasized that INEC has made necessary preparations for the election and is committed to ensuring that people’s votes count. She also urged politicians to play by the rules as the state prepares for the November 8 governorship election.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji, a lecturer at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), stressed the importance of public trust in the electoral process. He noted that voter apathy is often a sign of underlying issues, including a high trust deficit.
The delay in the Anambra South Senatorial poll has sparked concerns about the electoral process and the need for transparency and accountability. As the situation unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how INEC and the Senate respond to the challenges ahead.