By Osita Chinedu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has decided to conduct a fresh re-run election in Enugu state and a supplementary election in Taraba state on Wednesday, 14th February 2024.
INEC revealed this in Abuja after its meeting on Tuesday to deliberate the outcome of the bye elections and rerun elections held last weekend, among other issues.
A statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, read that the bye elections were concluded successfully across all designated constituencies of the Federation with exception of Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency.
“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,” stated Olumekun.
The statement further read that the elections in Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency would be held at a later date due to security concerns after talks must have been held with security agencies and stakeholders.
The commission therefore urge all eligible voters and stakeholders in the concerned constituencies to participate peacefully and support their preferred candidates.
