The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended elections in nine wards of Kogi State following incidences of electoral malpractice.
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and election observers had earlier raised alarm that pre-filled results sheets were discovered in some polling units in the state before commencement of voting. Reacting, the commission promised to investigate the incident.
National Commissioner and Member Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, while confirming the incident in a statement, said the commission has officially received reports of electoral malpractice in some locations in Kogi, particularly the incident of result sheets completed before voting.
Describing the development as unacceptable, Haruna said reports indicated that the incidents occurred in Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene Local Government Areas.
According to him, the most serious incidents occurred in Ogori/Magongo, affecting nine of the 10 Registration Areas.
“This is entirely unacceptable. Any result not emanating from the Commission’s process in the Polling Units will not be accepted,” he stated.
Noting that the Commission is determined not to reward bad behaviour, Haruna declared that the “election in the nine Wards in Ogori/Magongo LGA (Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben and Oturu) is at this moment suspended.”
He said the incidents in the other local councils were being thoroughly investigated, adding that the outcome, including the way forward, would be announced in the next 24 hours.
He said: “Meanwhile, as the processes continue, we follow the audit trail of personnel and materials to ascertain those who may have been complicit in undermining the process. We have a record of all officials deployed at various levels as supervisors, monitors, technical staff or polling unit officials and all election materials issued to them. Appropriate sanctions will be applied where necessary.
“The Commission assures voters in Kogi State that their votes are protected, and their wishes will be respected.”
Source: Guardian
