The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has halted ongoing re-run elections in certain constituencies citing “disruptions, irregularities, and abduction of election officials.”
Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, revealed this in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja.
The affected areas include Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, where elections were suspended in two Polling Units (Village Hall, EdemUrua 003 in Ini LGA and Village Hall Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA) due to the theft of all election materials by hoodlums.
Similarly, elections were suspended in all eight Polling Units in Enugu South 1 State Constituency, Enugu State, because original result sheets were unavailable for inspection by voters before polls began. In Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency, Kano State, elections were suspended in all ten Polling Units in Kunchi LGA due to invasion, vandalism, and disruption by thugs.
Olumekun stated that INEC’s decision is in accordance with Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022. He also announced that further necessary measures for the affected constituencies will be disclosed after the Commission’s meeting on Monday. INEC has called on security agencies to investigate the incidents, with the Commission committing to thoroughly scrutinizing any breaches involving its officials.
