The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the suspension of ongoing re-run elections in specific constituencies due to disruptions, irregularities and abduction of election officials.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, in a statement issued Saturday said the affected areas are: Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State and Enugu South 1 State Constituency, Enugu State.
He said the election was suspended in two Polling Units in Akwa Ibom State which included; Village Hall, EdemUrua 003 in Ini LGA and Village Hall Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA because where all election materials were carted away by hoodlums.
Olumekun added that in Enugu South 1 State Constituency, elections were suspended in all eight Polling Units where the original results sheets were not available for inspection by voters before the commencement of polls.
He added that in Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency, Kano State, elections were suspended in all ten Polling Units in Kunchi LGA due to invasion, vandalisation, and disruption by thugs.
Olumekun noted: “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.”