The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the suspension of re-run elections in 20 polling units across Kano, Enugu, and Akwa-Ibom states.
This decision comes as a response to disruptions, irregularities, and the abduction of election officials during the ongoing re-run and bye-elections.
The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
Earlier reports had highlighted disruptions and acts of thuggery in some locations within the aforementioned states.
Related News: Court Restrains INEC from By-Elections to replace 27 defected lawmakers in Rivers
According to INEC, the affected areas and reasons for suspension 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 commission stated that the suspension aligns with the provisions of Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
INEC urged security agencies to investigate the incidents, and further measures for the affected constituencies will be announced after the Commission’s meeting on Monday.
INEC assured that it is committed to thoroughly interrogating any breaches involving its officials and will take necessary actions to address the identified challenges in the affected areas.
You can also read: Spokesperson Reveals Why Buhari Withheld WAEC Results in 2015 and 2019 Elections