INEC suspends re-run elections in 20 polling units

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has suspended the re-run elections in 20 polling units in Kano, Enugu, and Akwa-Ibom states due to disruptions caused by violence and material hijacking.

This decision was announced by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee. INEC had previously expressed its intention to investigate the disruptions that occurred during the rerun and by-elections in these states.

INEC had earlier expressed its intention to investigate the disruptions that occurred during the rerun and by-elections in Enugu, Akwa-Ibom, and Kano states.

According to the commission, “In general, the polls began on time and the accreditation process was proceeding smoothly in the 8,934 polling units across 26 states involved in today’s bye-elections and re-run elections.”

However, it was reported that there were instances of disruptions caused by acts of violence and the hijacking of materials in certain locations in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Kano states.

Subsequently, the latest updates from INEC revealed that the suspension of the re-run elections was due to irregularities and the abduction of election 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 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 statement read in part.

The commission noted that the suspension “aligns with the provisions of Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022,” urging security agencies to investigate the incidents.

“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 added.