The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced it has suspended the ongoing re-run/bye-elections in specific constituencies in Enugu, Akwa Ibom and Kano states.
INEC in a statement signed by spokesperson, Sam Olumekun, said the suspension was due to disruptions, irregularities and abduction of election officials.
According to Olumekun, the affected areas are Enugu South 1 State Constituency, Enugu State, Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State and Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency, Kano State.
“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,” INEC said.
“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.”
Olumekun said that the decision of the Commission to suspend the re-run/bye elections in the afore-mentioned areas aligns with the provisions of Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
The spokesperson added that further necessary measures for the affected constituencies will be announced after the Commission’s meeting on Monday, 5 February, 2024.
Olumekun also disclosed that INEC has invited the security agencies to investigate the incidents, while the Commission commits to thoroughly interrogating any breaches involving its officials.
