The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Tuesday said it has resolved to conduct a new supplementary election in Taraba State and a new re-run election in Enugu State on Wednesday 14th February, 2024.
However, the electroal body said due to security concerns, the election in Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency would be held at a later date, after further discussions with security agencies and stakeholders.
In a statement signed by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the commission recalled that recent by-elections and re-run elections held on saturday 3rd february, 2024.
It added that by-elections were held in nine constituencies to fill seats left vacant by the demise or resignation of members elected during the 2023 general election, both in the National and State Houses of Assembly.
The commission explained that re-run elections took place in 39 constituencies as ordered by the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals.
It maintained that the by-elections were concluded successfully across all designated constituencies, with the exception of the Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency, where, the final declaration was postponed due to over voting in certain Polling Units, impacting the margin of lead between the candidates with the highest number of votes.
Olumekun said: “The Commission held its regular meeting today, Tuesday, 6th February 2024, to deliberate, among other issues, the outcome of the bye-elections and re-run elections conducted last weekend”
He stressed that regarding the re-run elections, disruptions occurred at two Polling Units in the Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State and across all Polling Units in the Enugu South State Constituency of Enugu State and Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano State, due to violence, thuggery and the hijacking of election materials.
The National Commissioner noted that the electoral body had previously suspended the re-run elections in these areas in accordance with Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act 2022.
Olumekun added: “Following additional reports from our officials in the affected States, the Commission supports the Returning Officer’s decision to announce results in the Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, as the number of registered voters in the two Polling Units did not affect the outcome of the election.
The commission noted that details of these Polling Units would be published Wednesday.
Olumekun stated, “The Commission has resolved to conduct a supplementary election in Taraba State and a new re-run election in Enugu State, both scheduled for Wednesday 14th February 2024.
“Due to security concerns, the election in Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency will be held at a later date, after further discussions with security agencies and stakeholders.”
The commission urged all eligible voters and stakeholders in the impacted Polling Units in Taraba and Enugu States to participate peacefully in the upcoming elections and support their preferred candidates.