Just before end of voting in Saturday’s re-run election, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC announced suspension of the exercise in three constituencies across Akwa Ibom, Enugu and Kano States.
The suspension follows what the Commission described as “disruptions, irregularities and abduction of election officials”.
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Below is full text of the statement issued by INEC on suspension of the exercise in the affected constituencies.
INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION
PRESS RELEASE
SUSPENSION OF RE-RUN ELECTIONS IN ENUGU SOUTH, KUNCHI/TSANYAWA AND TWO POLLING UNITS IN IKONO/INI
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 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 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.
Sam Olumekun mni
National Commissioner & Chairman,
Information and Voter Education Committee
Saturday 3rd February 2024
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
