Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the suspension of election in some parts of Kogi State following the reports from its officials in the State on incidences of electoral malpractices.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident of result sheets completed before voting was a major issue leading to the decision, according to the INEC,
The affected places include Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene Local Government Areas.
INEC said that the most serious incidents occurred in Ogori/Magongo, affecting nine of 10 Registration Areas.
“This is entirely unacceptable. Any result not emanating from the Commission’s process in the Polling Units will not be accepted,” the Commission said in a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner & Member Information and Voter Education Committee.
“The Commission is determined not to reward bad behaviour. Consequently, the election in the nine Wards in Ogori/Magongo LGA (Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben and Oturu) is at this moment suspended.
“The incidences in the other Local Government Areas are being thoroughly investigated, and the outcome, including the way forward, will be announced in the next 24 hours,” it said.
“Meanwhile, as the processes continue, we follow the audit trail of personnel and materials to ascertain those who may have been complicit in undermining the process. We have a record of all officials deployed at various levels as supervisors, monitors, technical staff or polling unit officials and all election materials issued to them. Appropriate sanctions will be applied where necessary.
“The Commission assures voters in Kogi State that their votes are protected, and their wishes will be respected.”
