INEC distributes sensitive materials for Gombe by-election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun distributing electoral materials to local government areas in Gombe State for the upcoming by-election. This move took place on Friday at the Central Bank of Nigeria premises in Gombe, prior to the eventual distribution to polling units across the Federal Constituency.

The deployment was observed by political party representatives, Inter-Agency Consultative Committee members on Election Security, security forces, CBN officials, and journalists. The by-election is set for Saturday, September 19, 2026, with an estimated 495,851 registered voters expected to take part. Alhaji Umar Muktar Gajiram, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Gombe State, confirmed that the sensitive materials had been sent to the appropriate local government areas and will subsequently be delivered to individual polling stations.

He emphasized that conducting the exercise alongside political parties, security agencies, and stakeholders was intended to increase transparency and bolster public trust in the electoral process. Gajiram also highlighted that the signatures and endorsements placed on the materials by INEC served as part of the authentication procedure, ensuring only certified materials were utilized during the election.

As preparations advance, Gajiram called for political parties, candidates, and their supporters to adhere to the Peace Accord signed in Gombe State Police Command, urging them to avoid actions that could disrupt the voting process and contribute to maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. Gajiram expressed confidence that candidates and political parties would uphold their commitments under the Peace Accord, stressing that collaboration among political actors, voters, security forces, electoral officials, and other stakeholders would be crucial in ensuring a peaceful and orderly execution of the by-election.