By Kemisola Oye
THE Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu has announced the postponement of elections in 141 polling units in Imo State as well as Yenagoa in Bayelsa State.
He said the postponement affects both the presidential and National Assembly elections in the affected areas and that the elections will now hold tomorrow (Sunday).
Speaking during his second media briefing in Abuja over the ongoing election, Professor Yakubu also said the Commission has equally received reports of an attack on its office in Gwoza, Borno State. “There was an attack on voters by Boko Haram insurgents in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
“Also, we have lost BVAS devices in Zamfara, Katsina and Anambra states. We have recovered some, while the issue arising from the early commencement of voting in Abia has been addressed. Polling units will remain open as the election is still ongoing.
“In Imo State, the process is ongoing. The situation in Birni-Kebbi is that voting is ongoing. In Bayelsa, Yenagoa, the process was disrupted. The youth corps member expressed apprehension, though the materials are intact. The voting in that place continues tomorrow. So that the youth corps member will serve as presiding officer.”
He further disclosed that the Commission was aware of the situation at Okota, Oshodi and Elegushi parts of Lagos State. “We will keep our eyes on the process. The IGP, National Security Adviser and other security agencies are to strengthen security as we move to the second stage.
“We have suspended senatorial election from Esan North and South in Edo State. Their election will be conducted with the governorship election.’