INEC suspends collation of results in Abia, Enugu
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials sort and count ballots during the vote counting process at a polling station in Kano on February 25, 2023, during Nigeria’s presidential and general election. (Photo by KOLA SULAIMON / AFP)
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the collation of governorship results in Abia and Enugu.
The suspension followed Sunday’s invasion of the commission’s office by thugs in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia state.
The commission also said a review of the results for the Governorship election from the two outstanding Local Government Areas of Nsukka and Nkanu East in Enugu called for the suspension of collation.
National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC, Festus Okoye disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
He said: “The Commission met today, Monday 20 March 2023 and reviewed the conduct of the Governorship and State Assembly elections held nationwide on Saturday March 18, 2023. Arising from the meeting, the Commission took the decision to suspend forthwith further collation of the Governorship election results in some parts of Abia and Enugu States.
“It will be recalled that our office in Obingwa Local Government Area was invaded by thugs yesterday Sunday March 19, 2023 and our officials held hostage in relation to the collation of results from the Local Government Area. Similarly, reports from Enugu State call for a review of the results for the Governorship election from the two outstanding Local Government Areas of Nsukka and Nkanu East.
“Consequently, the Commission hereby suspends the collation of results in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State and the two outstanding Local Government Areas of Enugu State which are yet to be collated. A review will be undertaken immediately before the process is concluded.
“We appeal for the understanding and patience of voters, parties and candidates in the affected States.”
