BREAKING: INEC suspends re-run elections in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Kano

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the suspension of the ongoing re-run elections in three constituencies: Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, Enugu South 1 State Constituency in Enugu State, and Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency in Kano State. This decision comes in light of disruptions, irregularities, and the abduction of election officials.

Sam Olamekun, the Information and Voter Education Committee spokesperson, made this announcement on Saturday. The commission emphasized that appropriate measures for the affected constituencies would be disclosed after the Commission’s meeting on Monday.

INEC has urged security agencies to conduct investigations into the reported incidents. For Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, elections were suspended in two Polling Units (Village Hall, EdemUrua 003 in Ini LGA and Village Hall Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA) due to the theft of all election materials by hoodlums.

In Enugu South 1 State Constituency, Enugu State, elections were halted in all eight Polling Units where the original results sheets were unavailable for inspection by voters before the polls began. In Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency, Kano State, elections were suspended in all ten Polling Units in Kunchi LGA due to invasion, vandalization, and disruption by thugs.

The Commission’s decision aligns with the provisions of Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022. Further actions for the affected constituencies will be communicated after the Commission’s meeting on Monday. INEC has invited security agencies to investigate the incidents, and the Commission has committed to thoroughly examining any breaches involving its officials.

It is noteworthy that INEC had previously announced re-run elections in 34 constituencies nationwide.