INEC announces supplementary election in Taraba, re-run in Enugu

Following disruptions during February 3rd, 2024 bye and re-runs election,
the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has declared a supplementary election in Taraba State and a new re-run election in Enugu State

The commission, after its meeting on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024, resolved to address electoral irregularities observed during the polls. Disruptions, including violence, thuggery, and the hijacking of election materials, marred voting processes in certain constituencies, prompting INEC to take action.

A statement by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education, Sam Olumekun, said supplementary election in Taraba State and the new re-run election in Enugu State are both scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 14th, 2024.

However, due to security concerns, the election in the Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency will be postponed until further discussions with security agencies and stakeholders are held.

INEC urges all eligible voters and stakeholders in the impacted areas to participate peacefully in the upcoming elections and support their preferred candidates.

The statement read “Bye-elections were held in nine constituencies to fill seats left vacant by the demise or resignation of members elected during the 2023 General Election, both in the National and State Houses of Assembly. Additionally, re-run elections took place in 39 constituencies as ordered by the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals.

“The bye-elections were concluded successfully across all designated constituencies, with the exception of the Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency. Here, the final declaration was postponed due to over voting in certain Polling Units, impacting the margin of lead between the candidates with the highest number of votes. Details of these Polling Units will be published tomorrow.

“Regarding the re-run elections, disruptions occurred at two Polling Units in the Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State and across all Polling Units in the Enugu South State Constituency of Enugu State and Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano State, due to violence, thuggery and the hijacking of election materials.

“The Commission had previously suspended the re-run elections in these areas in accordance with Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act 2022.

“Following additional reports from our officials in the affected States, the Commission supports the Returning Officer’s decision to announce results in the Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, as the number of registered voters in the two Polling Units did not affect the outcome of the election.

“The Commission has resolved to conduct a supplementary election in Taraba State and a new re-run election in Enugu State, both scheduled for Wednesday 14th February 2024.

“Due to security concerns, the election in Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency will be held at a later date, after further discussions with security agencies and stakeholders.

“We urge all eligible voters and stakeholders in the impacted Polling Units in Taraba and Enugu States to participate peacefully in the upcoming elections and support their preferred candidates”