The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reported that its office in Lokoja, Kogi, was besieged by a mob on Wednesday, November 29. Dr. Hale Gabriel Longpet, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Kogi, disclosed that the mob obstructed the staff and legal representatives involved in the recent off-cycle election in the state from inspecting materials utilized during the exercise.
In an official statement, it was conveyed, “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kogi State wishes to inform the public that the State Headquarters in Lokoja was besieged this morning by a mob that barricaded all entrances to the office and prevented access to staff to carry out routine duties. The siege also prevented attorneys representing political parties involved in the recent off-cycle governorship election from inspecting documents/materials used in the election.”
The statement further noted that the intervention of the Nigerian Army was required to de-escalate the situation at the State Headquarters. Security agencies assured INEC that they would maintain normalcy on the premises. The INEC office in Kogi affirmed its commitment to providing unimpeded access to all materials necessary for the prosecution of petitions by parties and litigants involved.
