The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that fresh elections will be held in nine polling units across Kogi State on November 18.
This decision comes after the electoral body reviewed the conduct of the previous elections in these units.
The information was revealed in a statement released Sunday night in Abuja by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the national commissioner and member of INEC’s information and voter education committee.
He stated, “Further to our statement yesterday, we have received an update from our Kogi State office regarding the suspension of elections in some locations in the state where result sheets were completed before the commencement of voting. The most critical incident occurred in nine out of 10 wards in Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area (LGA).
READ ALSO: Court Threatens INEC Chairman with Contempt Proceedings
“We received reports of similar and other incidents in Adavi (5 Polling Units in Okunchi/Ozuri/Onieka Ward), Ajaokuta (5 Polling Units in Adogo Ward), Okehi (1 Polling Unit in Eika/Ohizenyi Ward) and Okene (5 Polling Units in Obehira Uvete Ward). Results from the affected Polling Units have been accounted for in Form EC40G for the four LGAs.
“However, in the case of Ogori/Magongo LGA, only the result of Oshobane Ward II with eight Polling Units and 2,264 registered voters has been collated. Election in the other nine Wards (Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben and Oturu) involving 59 Polling Units and 15,136 registered voters remain suspended. In line with Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Clause 59 of INEC Regulations and Guidelines on the Conduct of Elections 2022, fresh election will be held on Saturday 18th November 2023 in the affected Polling Units”.
INEC reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all eligible voters in these units are given the opportunity to participate in the electoral process. The commission also assured that it will take all necessary measures to ensure that the elections are free, fair, and credible.
The rescheduled elections will provide an opportunity for the citizens of these nine units to exercise their democratic rights and contribute to the political process. INEC has called on all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and voters, to cooperate and abide by the rules and regulations governing the conduct of elections.
Further updates on the electoral process will be provided as the election date approaches.