Enugu electoral body ready for local government elections on September 26

The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission says it is over 90 percent ready for the local government election on September 26.

The Executive Chairman of ENSIEC, Prof. Christian Ngwu, shared this during a news briefing in Enugu on Monday.

Ngwu mentioned that the commission is making final arrangements and training ahead of the elections.

"Only a few things are left and we are finalising them," he said.

He also stated that the commission has trained the trainers for the ad hoc staff and has advertised for their recruitment. The training for these staff will start in a few days.

He said that "almost all the materials for the elections are ready."

Ngwu noted that the "non-sensitive materials will leave ENSIEC headquarters in Enugu by Thursday, Sept. 17, to the council headquarters."

He explained that the sensitive materials will be kept in a safe place for now.

"We will soon finalise arrangements with transport unions and companies to ensure we have enough logistics," he added.

Ngwu said the commission is working well with security agencies in the state, with the Police leading the efforts.

He mentioned that the Independent National Electoral Commission will soon provide ENSIEC with the official voters’ register for the state.

"I am calling on the people of Enugu State to come out and vote for their preferred candidates without fear or favour.

"ENSIEC will continue to provide a fair ground for all candidates in the elections."

Ngwu promised a conducive and secure environment to ensure peaceful, clear, and credible elections on September 26.

He also mentioned that the commission has posted the election notice in key places across the local government areas.

This notice includes information on how to vote correctly and the behaviour expected during and after voting.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 11 political parties will field candidates for the elections.

ENSIEC had earlier completed its train-the-trainer workshop for its officials. This included 17 electoral officers for each of the 17 council areas, 17 assistant electoral officers, seven directors, five commissioners, and an administrative secretary.

The elections are set for 17 chairmanship and 260 councillorship positions in the state on September 26.