The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has slated next Saturday for the conduct of fresh elections in polling units where the exercise was earlier suspended in Kogi State.
In a statement on Sunday night in Abuja, National Commissioner and member of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna said: “Further to our statement yesterday, we have received an update from our Kogi State office regarding the suspension of election in some locations in the state where result sheets were completed before the commencement of voting. The most critical incident occurred in nine out of 10 Wards in Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area (LGA).
“We received reports of similar and other incidents in Adavi (5 Polling Units in Okunchi/Ozuri/Onieka Ward), Ajaokuta (5 Polling Units in Adogo Ward), Okehi (1 Polling Unit in Eika/Ohizenyi Ward) and Okene (5 Polling Units in Obehira Uvete Ward). Results from the affected Polling Units have been accounted for in Form EC40G for the four LGAs.
“However, in the case of Ogori/Magongo LGA, only the result of Oshobane Ward II with eight Polling Units and 2,264 registered voters has been collated. Election in the other nine Wards (Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben and Oturu) involving 59 Polling Units and 15,136 registered voters remain suspended. In line with Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Clause 59 of INEC Regulations and Guidelines on the Conduct of Elections 2022, fresh election will be held on Saturday 18th November 2023 in the affected Polling Units”.
According to him, the decision to hold fresh elections is subject to the Returning Officer’s determination of the application of the Margin of Lead Principle.
However, Haruna said the decision is without prejudice to INEC’s avowed commitment to following the audit trail of personnel and materials to ascertain those who may have been complicit in undermining the process and apply appropriate sanctions where necessary.
“The commission wishes to reiterate its assurances to voters in Kogi State that their votes will continue to count and their wishes respected”.
The governorship election in the state, as well as in Bayelsa and Imo State, have been trailed by allegation of malpractices by political parties and actors, and election monitors.
