Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the suspension of ongoing re-run elections in specific constituencies in Enugu State due to disruptions, irregularities and abduction of election officials.
According to a statement posted today on its official Twitter handle by Sam Olumekun, and monitored by Alltimepost.com, its National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, the affected areas are as follows:
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 decision of the Commission aligns with the provisions of Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022. Further necessary measures for the affected constituencies will be announced after the Commission’s meeting on Monday.
INEC invites the security agencies to investigate the incidents, while the Commission commits to thoroughly interrogating any breaches involving its officials.
INEC had earlier said it received reports of disruption of the ongoing bye-elections and rerun elections in Akwa Ibom, Enugu and Kano States.
INEC in an update on its X handle and published by Vanguard, 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.
“In Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, we are investigating reported incidents in Village Hall, EdemUrua 003 in Ini LGA and Village Hall Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA.
“In Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Enugu State, we are investigating reports of disruption in 8 Polling Units in Uwani West Ward.
“In Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituencies of Kano State, processes have been disrupted in Kunchi Local Government Area involving 10 Polling Units”, the commission said.
It added that it would provide regular updates on the situation.
