The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has decided to suspend elections in nine wards within the Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State. This decision was confirmed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC’s National Commissioner and Member of the Information and Voter Education Committee, through a statement released on Saturday, November 11.
The suspension is a response to reported cases of electoral malpractices, specifically instances where result sheets were completed before the commencement of voting. Haruna emphasized that such practices are entirely unacceptable, stating that results not originating from the Commission’s polling unit process will not be recognized. The affected wards in Ogori/Magongo LGA include Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben, and Oturu.
INEC is actively investigating incidents in other Local Government Areas, and within the next 24 hours, the commission will announce the outcomes and the subsequent course of action. In response to the reported malpractices, INEC is committed to identifying and holding accountable those who may have been involved in undermining the electoral process.
The statement further assures voters in Kogi State that their votes are safeguarded, and the Commission will uphold their expressed wishes. Appropriate sanctions will be applied to officials found complicit in any misconduct, and the Commission remains resolute in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
