The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it has suspended elections in four local government areas of Kogi state.
The local governments areAdavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo are: Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene Local Government Areas.
It added that the most serious incidents occurred in Ogori/Magongo, affecting nine of 10 Registration Areas.
INEC National Commissioner and Member, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna in a statement issued on Saturday said the suspension of elections in the affected wards became imperative following reports of malpractices from its officials.
It said: “The Commission has received reports from our officials in Kogi State on incidences of electoral malpractices, particularly the incident of result sheets completed before voting.
“Reports indicate that the incidents occurred in Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene Local Government Areas. The most serious incidents occurred in Ogori/Magongo, affecting nine of 10 Registration Areas.”
The electoral body described the incident as unacceptable, adding that any result not emanating from the Commission’s process in the Polling Units would. not be accepted.
Haruna added: “The Commission is determined not to reward bad behaviour. Consequently, the election in the nine Wards in Ogori/Magongo LGA (Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben and Oturu) is at this moment suspended.
“The incidences in the other Local Government Areas are being thoroughly investigated, and the outcome, including the way forward, will be announced in the next 24 hours.”
The commission assured that as the processes continue, it would follow the audit trail of personnel and materials to ascertain those who might have been complicit in undermining the process.
It stated: “We have a record of all officials deployed at various levels as supervisors, monitors, technical staff or polling unit officials and all election materials issued to them. Appropriate sanctions will be applied where necessary.”
The Commission assured voters in Kogi State that their votes are protected, and their wishes would be respected.