INEC suspends re-run elections in 20 polling units

3rd February 2024

 The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken the decision to suspend re-run elections in 20 polling units spread across Kano, Enugu, and Akwa-Ibom states, according to the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, as stated in a release by RALD News Media.

Initially investigating disruptions during the rerun and by-elections in Enugu, Akwa-Ibom, and Kano states, INEC reported that while polls opened smoothly in 8,934 polling units across 26 states, there were incidents of thuggery and material hijacking in some locations in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Kano.

In the latest updates, the suspension was attributed to irregularities and the abduction of election officials. The affected areas include Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State and Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency in Kano State. The suspension was implemented in response to disruptions, irregularities, and the abduction of election officials, aligning with Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

Specifically, the suspension in Akwa Ibom is in relation to all eight Polling Units where original result sheets were unavailable for voter inspection before polls commenced. In Kano, the suspension covers all ten Polling Units in Kunchi LGA due to invasion, vandalization, and disruption by thugs.

INEC has called on security agencies to investigate these incidents, and further measures for the affected constituencies will be announced after the Commission's meeting on Monday. The Commission pledges to thoroughly scrutinize any breaches involving its officials.