The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed a fire outbreak at its Gwadabawa Local Government Area office in Sokoto State, resulting in extensive damage to electoral materials.

In a statement issued on Friday, February 14, 2025, and shared on INEC’s official X page, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, disclosed that the incident was reported by the Administrative Secretary of the Sokoto State office, Mrs. Hauwa Aliyu Kangiwa.

The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Tuesday, February 11, 2025, completely destroyed the building.

Among the damaged items were 558 ballot boxes, 186 voting cubicles, 186 election bags, and several Registration Area Centre (RAC) materials, including 12 large water tanks, 400 sleeping mats, and 300 plastic buckets.

“Preliminary reports from the state office suggest that a sudden power surge may have triggered the incident, though an official investigation by security and safety agencies is ongoing.”

In response, INEC said it is working to secure an alternative temporary facility in Gwadabawa to ensure that electoral activities in the area remain uninterrupted.