Abduction, Irregularities Force INEC To Suspend Rerun Elections in Enugu South, Kunchi/Tsanyawa, Ikoni/Ini

Saturday 3^rd February 2024

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the ongoing rerun elections in Enugu South, Kunchi/Rsanyawa in Kano State and two polling units in Ikon/Ini, Akwa Ibom State.

According to a statement by National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mr. Sam Olumekun, the elections were suspended due to disruptions, irregularities and abduction of election officials.

Specifically, all election materials were carted away by hoodlums in two polling units – Village Hall, EdemUrua 003 in Ini Local Government Area (LGA) and Village Hall, Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA.

In the Enugu South 1 State Constituency, the original results sheets for all the eight polling units were not available for inspection by voters before the commencement of polls, while in Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency, Kano State, thugs invaded and vandalized all the 10 polling units there, leading to the total disruption of activities.

The Commission said its decision to suspend the elections aligns with the provisions of Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act 2022.

Olumekun affirmed: “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 interrogate any breaches involving its officials.”