The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed a fire outbreak at its office in Gwadabawa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, resulting in the destruction of critical electoral materials.
In a statement released on Friday, February 14, 2025, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun, disclosed that the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
The fire, reported by INEC’s Sokoto State Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Hauwa Aliyu Kangiwa, caused significant damage to the building and electoral materials, including:
- 558 ballot boxes
- 186 voting cubicles
- 186 election bags
- 12 large water tanks
- 400 sleeping mats
- 300 plastic buckets
Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have been triggered by a sudden power surge, though security and safety agencies are still investigating the exact cause. Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities were recorded.
INEC assured the public that steps are being taken to secure a temporary facility in the area to ensure its electoral activities continue without major disruptions.
