By Martin Odiete, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that they would conduct the Bye-Election into the vacant seat of Aba North/South Federal Constituency of Abia State on the 27 of March, 2021.

This was part of the decisions reached when the body met on Thursday, February 25, 2022 in Abuja. They also deliberated on a number of other issues.

This information was contained in a statement signed by the National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye Esq

He explained further on what informed INEC holding the election in that constituency and the modalities to be followed.

“The vacancy arose as a result of the death of Hon. Ossy Prestige, member representing Aba North/South Federal Constituency of Abia State in the House of Representatives and the subsequent declaration of vacancy for the Federal Constituency by the National Assembly.

“Consequently, the Commission has fixed Saturday 27th March 2021 for the conduct of the bye-election to fill the vacant seat for the Aba North/South Federal Constituency of Abia State.

“The official notification for the election will be published on Monday 1st March 2021. Political Parties shall conduct their primaries between 4th and 10th March 2021 while the last day for submission of list of nominated candidates is at 6pm on the 16th March 2021.

“Political Parties shall submit the names of their Polling Agents for the election to the Electoral Officers of the respective Local Governments on or before 19th March 2021 and campaigns by political parties shall stop on 25th March 2021.

“The Access Code for the nomination forms shall be available for collection from 10th March 2021 at the Commission’s headquarters.

“Political parties fielding candidates for the bye-election should pay close attention to the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the conduct of the bye-election and conduct transparent and valid party primaries in line with the dictates of Section 87 of the Electoral Act 2010 (As amended).

“We enjoin political parties to note that under section 31(8) of the Electoral Act, a political party which presents to the Commission the name of a candidate who does not meet the qualifications stipulated in the Constitution and the Electoral Act shall be guilty of an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a maximum fine of N500, 000.00

“The detailed Timetable and Schedule of activities has been uploaded on the Commission’s website and social media platforms,” he concluded.