INEC Distributes Election Materials Ahead of Karim I Bye-Election.
By Christiana Babayo
The Taraba State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Alhaji Umar Muktar Gajiram, has confirmed the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials ahead of the Karim I State Constituency bye-election scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025.
Speaking in Jalingo, Gajiram said the early distribution was to ensure timely deployment and proper coordination, thereby facilitating a smooth and credible electoral process.
He stressed that both categories of materials are crucial to the success of any election and assured the people of Karim I that INEC is fully prepared to conduct a free, fair, and credible poll.
The REC also disclosed that the Commission has activated its Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, comprising all security agencies, to guarantee adequate protection during the exercise.
He added that all necessary logistics have been put in place, with security operatives escorting the materials from INEC headquarters in Jalingo to Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, representatives of the major political parties contesting in the bye-election have endorsed the movement of the materials after inspecting them at the INEC office in Jalingo.
Those who signed the agreement include Mr. Steven Otaniya of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Hassan Adamu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Mr. Sadiq Nuhu Bulo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a related development, the Taraba State Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Enekpen Isokpan, assured residents of Karim I that adequate security personnel will be deployed to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
She revealed that the Command has mobilised additional mobile police units as well as marine police along the waterways in the area to safeguard voters and electoral officials.
CP Isokpan urged residents to turn out in large numbers to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
