Eleven political parties and 19 candidates are to contest in Saturday’s bye-elections in Plateau.
The bye-elections are into the Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency and Pankshin South State Constituency
The political parties are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), African Democratic Party (ADP), All Progressives Congress (APC) and Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
Others are the Action Peoples Party (APP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Also, to participate in the elections are the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Young Peoples’ Party (YPP).
INEC’s National Commissioner in Plateau, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, told newsmen in Jos on Friday that the Commission had duly implemented the timetable and schedule of activities for the election.
“After the expiration of the period for substitution and withdrawal of candidates as provided by law, the Commission published the final list of 19 candidates sponsored by 11 political parties for both constituencies.
“We have 11 candidates contesting for the Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency seat and eight candidates for the Pankshin state Constituency seat.
“Details of the candidates by political parties, gender, age and educational qualifications have already been uploaded to INEC’s website for public information.
“In line with the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), the 2019 Register of Voters will be used for the bye-elections,’’ he said.
Zuru added that 652,581 registered voters would cast their votes in 681 polling units, consisting of 1,318 voting points.
“In Jos North, there are 453,556 voters for 474 polling units consisting of 913 voting points and in Bassa, there are 145,904 voters for 145 polling units, consisting of 296 voting points.
“In Pankshin, there are 53,121 voters for 62 polling units consisting of 109 voting points,’’ he said.
The commissioner said sufficient ad-hoc staff had been engaged and trained for the exercise.
He said that while non-sensitive materials were earlier deployed to local government offices, sensitive materials were distributed on Thursday in the presence of relevant stakeholders.
“After thorough inspection, the sensitive materials were taken from CBN to local government area offices in company of security and party agents, observers and the media.
“Transportation arrangements for movement of personnel and materials have been concluded, including motorcycles for remote locations and difficult terrains,’’ he added.
The national commissioner assured the electorate of INEC’s determination and commitment to free, fair and credible bye-elections.
