BREAKING: Thugs hijack election materials in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Kano

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has verified that certain troublemakers seized control of election materials in several locations in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Kano States on Saturday morning.

According to reports, the commission is currently overseeing a by-election in 26 states across the federation.

In an update on the ongoing exercise, INEC, through an official statement on its Saturday morning X handle, indicated that accreditation and other voting procedures are proceeding smoothly in various polling units across the 26 states.

However, the commission expressed regret over disruptions in some wards in Akwa Ibom, Kano, and Enugu.

The INEC statement reads: “In general, polls opened promptly, and accreditation is progressing smoothly in the 8,934 Polling Units in 26 States involved in today’s bye-elections and re-run elections.

“Nevertheless, we are monitoring reported disruptions of processes due to acts of thuggery and material hijacking in some locations in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Kano States.

“In Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, we are investigating reported incidents in Village Hall, EdemUrua 003 in Ini LGA and Village Hall Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA.

“In Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Enugu State, we are investigating reports of disruption in 8 Polling Units in Uwani West Ward. In Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituencies of Kano State, processes have been disrupted in Kunchi Local Government Area involving 10 Polling Units. We will provide regular updates on the situation.”