Opposition Parties Call for Impartiality in By-Elections Across 12 Nigerian States
By Admin, August 16, 2025
As voters across 12 states in Nigeria participate in by-elections for 16 constituencies, opposition political parties have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections.
The elections are being held to fill vacancies in two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies, and nine state constituencies.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed their views on the by-elections.
According to Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC spokesperson, by-elections may not fully measure the party’s electoral strength, they serve as a critical test of political and institutional integrity.
He called for impartiality, free and fair electoral process warning that a failure to do so could further discourage voters in future elections.
Similarly, Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, affirmed his party’s readiness for the polls but emphasized that INEC’s credibility remains under scrutiny.
He called on INEC to use the by-elections to prove its role as an unbiased umpire, especially in light of the anomalies and errors recorded in previous elections,
In a related development, a PDP chieftain in Ogun State, Segun Sowunmi, called for greater voter participation, lamenting the low turnout often seen during elections.
He stressed that Nigerians cannot continue to complain about the government if they are not actively involved in the process of choosing their leaders.
INEC announced on Friday the inclusion of Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidates in the by-elections, following a Federal High Court judgment that mandated their recognition.
Despite the short notice, INEC assured the public that the elections would proceed as planned.
To ensure a secure environment for the polls, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the deployment of tactical squads and senior officers to the 13 states where the elections are taking place.
According to a statement by Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, the deployed personnel include officers from the Police Mobile Force, Special Intervention Squad, and Force Intelligence Department.
The Inspector-General also banned state-owned security outfits from participating in election security management and restricted vehicular and waterway movement in the affected local government areas from midnight to 6 p.m. on election day, with exceptions for essential workers and accredited personnel.