Five Parties Sign Peace Accord in Ibadan North Federal Constituency Bye-Election

…As INEC, Traditional Leaders, and Security Chiefs Witness Agreement

…As Over 218,000 Voters Eligible as Security Agencies Assure Peace

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct the Ibadan North Federal Constituency Bye-Election, scheduled to hold this Saturday, August 16, 2025.

This follows the recent vacancy in the House of Representatives caused by the passing of the former lawmaker representing the constituency.

From Ibadan, our correspondent reports that INEC officials, political parties, and security agencies are now fully mobilized for the exercise.

Addressing journalists at the INEC Collation Centre in Ibadan, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Oyo State, Dr. Adeniran Rahmon Tella, confirmed that all is now set for the bye-election.

In line with the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission is required to fill any vacant legislative seat within 90 days. Although this particular process was delayed due to logistical and financial constraints, the Commission says it is now fully prepared.

“We’ve met with all key stakeholders and conducted all party primaries. Five political parties will be contesting in this bye-election, and all candidates have signed the Peace Accord today.”

INEC says it has configured 526 BVAS machines, with 48 backups, for use on election day. In total, 2,062 ad-hoc officials will be deployed across 512 polling units in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency.

Out of over 272,000 registered voters, about 218,000 have collected their Permanent Voter Cards and are eligible to vote.

Meanwhile, security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) have assured voters of safety throughout the election.

There will be movement restrictions across key communities and wards in the Ibadan North area, beginning from midnight on Friday. Affected areas include Sango, UI, Mokola, Bodija, and Beere, as well as 12 electoral wards within the LGA.

Sensitive materials such as ballot papers and result sheets will be received from the Central Bank on Thursday, August 14, in the presence of political parties, observers, and security agents.

INEC also confirms that training for Supervisory and Presiding Officers has been completed, while Collation Officers are currently undergoing final preparation.

Beyond the bye-election, INEC has also announced the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise for the 2025–2026 session ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Online pre-registration will begin Monday, August 18, via INEC’s CVR portal. In-person registration at INEC offices across the 33 LGAs in Oyo State is set to commence on Monday, August 25, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM daily, excluding weekends and public holidays.

Only new voters, individuals needing transfers, corrections, or replacement of lost PVCs are eligible to participate.

To assist registrants, an online CVR Live Locator tool will go live on August 17.

INEC has accredited 18 media organizations to cover the election and has advised journalists to collect their media tags.

Dr. Tella urged voters to turn out early, avoid vote buying, and maintain peaceful conduct on election day. Political parties are also reminded to uphold the peace accord signed earlier today.

The event was witnessed by security agencies, Party Stakeholders, Religious and Traditional leaders.