We stopped re-run elections in some States due to abduction of our officials – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has taken the unprecedented step of suspending ongoing re-run elections in specific constituencies, citing disruptions, irregularities, and the abduction of election officials.

The affected areas include Enugu South 1 State Constituency in Enugu State, Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency in Kano State, and Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State.

In a statement released by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the decision was deemed necessary due to a range of issues. At Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, elections were 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 reportedly carted away by hoodlums.

For Enugu South 1 State Constituency in Enugu State, the suspension occurred 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, vandalization, and disruption by thugs.

Olumekun emphasized that the decision aligns with the provisions of Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022. He further stated that additional measures for the affected constituencies would be announced following the Commission’s meeting on Monday.

The statement reads in full: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announces the suspension of ongoing re-run elections in specific constituencies due to disruptions, irregularities and abduction of election officials. The affected areas are as follows:

“Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State Suspension of elections 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.

“Enugu South 1 State Constituency, Enugu State
“Suspension of elections in all eight Polling Units where the original results sheets were not available for inspection by voters before the commencement of polls.

“Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency, Kano State
Suspension of elections in all ten Polling Units in Kunchi LGA due to invasion, vandalization, 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.”