The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Bauchi state, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi has stated that the commission will not hesitate to apply appropriate punishment to whoever causes violence during the forthcoming Bauchi South senatorial bye-election billed to hold in 30 days time.

This was as it expressed readiness to conduct the bye-election in Bauchi South senatorial district following the demise of late Senator Ski Wakili.

The REC issued the warning on Thursday during a stakeholders’ meeting with the Inter-Party Advisory Committee involving all political parties in the state.

He stated that the commission will not condone any act of violence during campaigns and the bye-election.

The REC appealed to all political parties to conduct themselves in line with the electoral guidelines.

“INEC cannot afford to allow trouble makers to initiate violence during campaigns and during the election. However, kindly orientate your subjects on the need for free and fair election,” he said.

Abdullahi explained that the planned conduct of the bye-election followed official communication from the National Assembly to conduct the poll in Bauchi south senatorial district within 30 days.

He said, “I want to inform you that INEC have received official letter to conduct bye-election within 30 days to fill the vacancy created in Bauchi South following the demise of late Senator Wakili in line with section 76 sub section 2 of the Nigerian Constitution as amended,” he added.

The Bauchi South senatorial district consists of Dass, TafawaBalewa, Kirfi, Alkaleri, Toro, Bauchi and Bogoro local government areas.

According to the REC, the election will be conducted in 75 wards, 1499 polling units and 485 voting points in all the seven LGAs of Bauchi South.

He assured of a free and fair election as well as sought security cover and good understanding among the political parties.

CEOAFRICA reported  that Wakili died after a protracted illness in March while he was the senator representing Bauchi South senatorial district.