The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has decided to suspend re-run elections in 20 polling units across Kano, Enugu, and Akwa-Ibom states, News About Nigeria reports.
This announcement was made by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, in a statement issued on Saturday.
Initially, INEC had expressed concerns about disruptions and acts of thuggery during the rerun/by-elections in the aforementioned states.
In its earlier updates, the commission reported that polls had opened promptly and accreditation was proceeding smoothly in the 8,934 polling units involved in the elections across 26 states.
However, due to reported irregularities, disruptions, and the abduction of election officials, INEC decided to suspend the ongoing re-run elections in specific constituencies. The affected areas include:
At Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State, elections was suspended in two polling units (Village Hall, EdemUrua 003 in Ini LGA and Village Hall Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA) where all election materials were carted away by hoodlums.
In Enugu South 1 State Constituency, Enugu State, 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.
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.
INEC said that the decision aligns with the provisions of Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and urged security agencies to investigate the incidents.
Further measures for the affected constituencies will be announced after the Commission’s meeting on Monday.
