On December 2, 2024, a significant fire outbreak struck the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Owa-Oyibu, located in the Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. This tragic event raised immediate concerns about the integrity of the upcoming elections due to the destruction of critical electoral materials. INEC’s National Commissioner, Sam Olumekun, released a statement outlining the circumstances surrounding the fire, which appears to have resulted from a sudden power surge linked to the restoration of public electricity. This incident underscores the vulnerabilities in the infrastructure supporting electoral processes and highlights the need for a reliable power supply.
A preliminary report by the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Delta State, Etekamba Umoren, detailed the extensive damage caused by the fire. The blaze completely consumed the stores section of the office, which was housing essential equipment and materials vital for conducting fair and organized elections. Among the items lost were a staggering 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, three electric generators, and 140 stamps. The destruction also included assorted supplies such as envelopes, posters, forms, and booklets, which are integral to the electoral process. The loss of these materials raises alarms about the preparedness of the commission for the forthcoming elections and poses a challenge to their logistical operations.
In an emergency meeting held on December 3, 2024, INEC officials discussed the implications of the fire incident. The commission took note of the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for an investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire and mitigate the risks of future occurrences. The meeting underscored the pressing nature of ensuring that electoral processes remain unimpeded despite such unforeseen disasters. Olumekun conveyed a sense of urgency in addressing the aftermath of this incident and restoring the necessary materials needed for conducting the elections.
Fortunately, despite the extensive material losses, there were no reported injuries or fatalities resulting from the fire outbreak. INEC expressed relief that no personnel were harmed, but the commission recognized that the destruction of essential materials could hinder the election process. In his statement, Olumekun commended the prompt response of the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service, who arrived swiftly on the scene. Their efforts were crucial in preventing further damage and ensuring that the situation did not escalate.
To provide clarity on the scale of operations in Ika North East Local Government Area, it is noteworthy that this office is one of 25 INEC offices in Delta State, managing 14 Registration Areas and overseeing a network of 238 Polling Units. There are approximately 131,747 registered voters in this area alone. Consequently, the loss of the election materials not only impacts the local election administration but also raises broader concerns regarding voter access and the electoral process integrity across the region.
In conclusion, the fire incident at the INEC office in Owa-Oyibu serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that electoral bodies face, particularly regarding infrastructure and logistics. The urgent call for an investigation highlights INEC’s commitment to transparency and accountability, essential components of a functioning democracy. As the commission navigates the fallout from this incident, it underscores the importance of reliable power supply and risk management strategies to mitigate any future occurrences that may disrupt the electoral process. The support of security and emergency services will be paramount in restoring the lost materials and ensuring that upcoming elections are conducted smoothly and effectively.
