by Osita Chinedu
The bye-election in parts of Enugu, Akwa Ibom and Kano states have been suspended by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to INEC spokesperson Sam Olumekun, the suspension was necessitated by cases of disruptions, irregularities and abduction of electoral officials recorded in the various constituencies.
In a statement issued by INEC, the affected areas include Enugu South 1 State Constituency, Enugu State, Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State and Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency, Kano State.
“Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State: Suspension of elections in two Polling Units (Village Hall, Edem Urua 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,” INEC explained.
The INEC spokesperson affirmed that the decision to suspend the elections in the affected areas was in line with the provisions of the section 24(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and added that further necessary measures will be made known for the affected constituencies after the commission’s meeting on Monday 5, February 2024.
