Fijabi Olanrewaju
THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is to conduct fresh elections in polling units and wards where the exercise was suspended during last Saturday’s governorship poll in Kogi State.
Eighteen-Eleven Media reports that the election was suspended in nine out of 10 Wards in Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area owing to the fact that result sheets were already completed before the commencement of voting.
Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and member, Information and Voter Education Committee, in a statement Sunday (yesterday), said the Commission 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.
He further stated that in the case of Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area, 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.
He said that 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, a fresh election will be held on Saturday 18th November 2023 in the affected Polling Units.
“The decision to hold fresh elections is subject to the Returning Officer’s determination of the application of the Margin of Lead Principle. However, this decision is without prejudice to our avowed commitment to follow the audit trail of personnel and materials to ascertain those who may have been complicit in undermining the process and apply appropriate sanctions where necessary.
“The Commission wishes to reiterate its assurances to voters in Kogi State that their votes will continue to count and their wishes respected”, Mr Haruna emphasized in the statement.
Eighteen-Eleven Media