The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended ongoing bye-elections in some constituencies and polling units (PUs) due to disruptions and irregularities.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said this on Saturday, February 3, amidst the ongoing process in 26 states and 80 local governments across the affected states.
He listed the affected areas as Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State, saying the suspension of elections in two 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.
He mentioned that in Enugu state, the exercise was suspended in all eight PUs of Enugu South 1 State Constituency where the original results sheets were not available for inspection by voters before the commencement of polls. He added that Equally in Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency, Kano State in all 10 PUs in Kunchi LGA due to invasion, vandalisation, and disruption by thugs.
“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,” Olumekun said.