The Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) has assured political parties and stakeholders that the upcoming local government election scheduled for August 22, 2026, will be free, fair, and credible. Chairman Mr. Collins Agbo made the declaration during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting held in Abakaliki on Thursday, emphasizing the commission’s commitment to transparency and peace. He urged all political parties, candidates, and relevant actors to cooperate fully with EBSIEC to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process.
Agbo commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for providing the necessary support and autonomy for the commission to perform its constitutional duties effectively. He expressed confidence that Ebonyi State would set a national benchmark for credible local government elections in Nigeria. The chairman stressed that the commission is fully prepared and ready to deliver a peaceful and transparent electoral exercise.
Mr. Hyacinth Nwoba, Commissioner for Logistics and Field Operations, confirmed that all election materials have been procured and will be distributed to the state’s 171 electoral wards and 2,947 polling units across the 13 local government areas. He described logistics as the backbone of any successful election and assured stakeholders that adequate arrangements have been made to ensure seamless operations on election day.
Barrister Sunday Odunwa, Commissioner for Legal and Security, warned against voter intimidation, violence, and other electoral malpractices. He emphasized that EBSIEC will not tolerate any act that undermines the credibility of the election. Odunwa urged political parties to conduct peaceful campaigns and encouraged the public to report any incidents of harassment or violence to security agencies immediately.
He also reminded political parties and supporters that wearing clothing bearing party insignia 24 hours before the election is prohibited by law, and violators will face arrest and prosecution. Mr. Irem Okechukwu, Commissioner for Administration and General Services, assured stakeholders that EBSIEC officials will remain neutral and uphold the rule of law throughout the electoral process.
Dr. Emmanuel Ibiam, Commissioner for Finance and Accounts, stated that the commission has secured all necessary financial and logistical resources to ensure a successful election. He called on political parties to cooperate with electoral officials for a peaceful outcome. Mr. Nwanja Uchenna, Commissioner for Planning and Statistics, confirmed that election officials will be deployed to all 171 wards and 2,947 polling units, ensuring no eligible voter is denied the right to vote.
Officials will be present at polling units from 7:00 a.m. on election day, and the commission pledged to provide timely, accurate, and transparent information throughout the process. Dr. Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, Ebonyi State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urged EBSIEC to announce results promptly after voting and collation, expressing confidence that parties would accept credible outcomes.
Comrade Friday Nwovu, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Ebonyi, called for the full inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in the election. The commission’s preparedness and stakeholder engagement signal a strong foundation for a peaceful and inclusive electoral process in Ebonyi State.
Leave a Comment