Hamidat Ayomide KelaniThe Independent and Electoral Commission halts the ongoing rerun elections in certain constituencies in Enugu,Kano and Akwa Ibom due to processes of thuggery and hijacking of materials in these states.
This announcement was made by The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, in a statement on Saturday.
The suspension was followed by reports of thuggery and hijacking of electoral materials in these states.
The commission said,
“Generally, polls opened promptly and accreditation going on smoothly in the 8,934 polling units in 26 states involved in today’s bye-elections and re-run elections”.
“However, we are monitoring reported disruption of processes by acts of thuggery and hijacking of materials in some locations in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Kano states.”
However it was earlier stated by the INEC that the suspension was as a result of irregularities and abduction of elections officials.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission announces the suspension of ongoing re-run elections in specific constituencies due to disruptions, irregularities, and abduction of election officials”.
The affected areas include;
“Ikono /Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State. Suspension of elections in two Polling Units (Village Hall, EdemUrua 003 in Ini LGA and Village Hall Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA) where all election materials were carted away by hoodlums”.
“Enugu South 1 State Constituency, Enugu State.Suspension of elections in all eight Polling Units where the original results sheets were not available for inspection by voters before the commencement of polls”.
“Kunchi /Tsanyawa State Constituency, Kano State.Suspension of elections in all ten Polling Units in Kunchi LGA due to invasion, vandalization, and disruption by thugs,”
The commission also noted that the suspension “aligns with the provisions of Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022,” urging security agencies to investigate the incidents.
INEC stated that it would announce further measures for the affected constituencies after a meeting on monday and invited the security agencies to investigate the incidents, while the Commission commits to thoroughly interrogating any breaches involving its officials,”
