The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken the decision to suspend re-run elections in 20 polling units across Kano, Enugu, and Akwa-Ibom states.
The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, revealed this development in a statement on Saturday.
Initially probing disruptions during the rerun and by-elections in the mentioned states, INEC reported smooth accreditation in the 8,934 polling units across 26 states.
However, instances of thuggery, material hijacking, and irregularities were reported in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Kano states.
The suspension is attributed to irregularities and the abduction of election officials. Specific constituencies affected include Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, where elections were suspended in two polling units due to material theft by hoodlums.
In Enugu State’s Enugu South 1 State Constituency, elections were suspended in all eight polling units due to the unavailability of original result sheets for voter inspection.
In Kano State’s Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency, elections were suspended in all ten polling units due to invasion, vandalization, and disruption by thugs.
This decision aligns with Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022. INEC urges security agencies to investigate the incidents, and further measures for the affected constituencies will be announced after the Commission’s meeting on Monday.
INEC commits to thoroughly interrogating any breaches involving its officials.
