The Independent National Election Commission (INEC) has confirmed that its office in the Guadabawa local government area in Sokoto State was destroyed by a fire, resulting in the destruction of key election materials.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voters Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun, said in a statement issued on Friday that the fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
According to the commission, the incident was reported by the Executive Minister of Mrs. Howa Aliyu Kanjiwa, the Sokoto State Office. The fire wreaked havoc on the building, destroying 558 ballot boxes, 186 voting compartments, 186 election bags and other election materials, including 12 large water tanks, 400 sleep pads and 300 plastic buckets.
Preliminary reports indicate that the fire may have been caused by a sudden surge in public power sources, but the actual cause is still under investigation by safety and safety agencies. Fortunately, no damage or death was recorded.
INEC assured that efforts are being made to ensure alternative temporary facilities in local government areas to ensure that their operations continue without significant disruption.
