The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has decided to suspend ongoing bye-elections in specific constituencies and polling units (PUs) due to disruptions and irregularities. Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, made this announcement on Saturday, February 3, during the ongoing process in 26 states and 80 local governments across the affected states.
Olumekun identified the affected areas as Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, where elections were suspended in two units (Village Hall, EdemUrua 003 in Ini LGA and Village Hall Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA) due to the carting away of all election materials by hoodlums.
In Enugu State, the bye-elections were halted in all eight PUs of Enugu South 1 State Constituency because the original result sheets were not available for inspection by voters before the polls commenced. Additionally, in Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency, Kano State, the exercise was suspended in all 10 PUs in Kunchi LGA due to invasion, vandalization, and disruption by thugs.
Olumekun stated, “The decision of the commission aligns with the provisions of Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022. 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 interrogating any breaches involving its officials.”
