The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has announced suspension of weekend rerun elections in certain federal constituencies across the country.
The Commission premised its action on disruptions, irregularities and abduction of election officials.
The affected constituencies include, Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State, Enugu South 1 State Constituency and Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency, Kano State.
According to a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee and made available to journalists in Abuja,all election materials were carted away by hoodlums in two Polling Units (Village Hall, EdemUrua 003 in Ini LGA and Village Hall Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA), Akwa Ibom state.
In Enugu South 1 State Constituency, where election was suspended in eight Polling Units “where the original results sheets were not available for inspection by voters before the commencement of polls.”
In Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency, Kano State, the exercise was halted by the electoral umpire ” in all ten Polling Units in Kunchi LGA due to invasion, vandalization, and disruption by thugs.”
The INEC National Commissioner maintained that all the incidents were clear infractions and breaches of provisions of the Electoral Act.
“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.”
END.