The Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) has assured political parties and stakeholders of a free, fair and credible local government election scheduled for August 22, 2026.
Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Collins Agbo, gave the assurance during the EBSIEC Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting held in Abakaliki, where he called on political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to work with the commission to ensure a peaceful, transparent and successful electoral process.
Agbo commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for providing the commission with the support and independence required to discharge its constitutional responsibilities, expressing confidence that the forthcoming council election would set a new standard for credible grassroots democracy in Nigeria.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Logistics and Field Operations, Mr. Hyacinth Nwoba, disclosed that all election materials had been procured and would be distributed across the state’s 171 electoral wards and 2,947 polling units in the 13 local government areas.
He assured stakeholders that adequate logistical arrangements had been put in place to guarantee the smooth conduct of the election.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Legal and Security, Barrister Sunday Odunwa, warned against voter intimidation, electoral violence and other forms of malpractice, stressing that anyone found violating the electoral laws would face prosecution.
He reminded political parties and their supporters that wearing clothing bearing party insignia within 24 hours before the election is prohibited by law and urged residents to report any acts of harassment or violence to security agencies.
The Commissioner for Administration and General Services, Mr. Irem Okechukwu, assured stakeholders that EBSIEC officials would remain impartial and uphold the rule of law throughout the electoral process.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Finance and Accounts, Dr. Emmanuel Ibiam, said the commission had made adequate financial and logistical provisions to ensure a successful election.
On his part, the Commissioner for Planning and Statistics, Mr. Nwanja Uchenna, disclosed that electoral officials would be deployed to all polling units across the state from 7:00 a.m. on election day to ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to exercise their franchise.
Stakeholders at the meeting also made submissions, with the Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ebonyi State, Dr. Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, urging the commission to announce election results promptly after voting and collation to strengthen public confidence in the process.
The Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Comrade Friday Nwovu, also called on EBSIEC to ensure the full inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in the forthcoming local government election.
