Peter Okoye, PBA Journalism Mentee
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the collation of results in some parts of Abia and Enugu States.
The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye disclosed this in a statement released on Monday after the Commission’s meeting on the outcome of the governorship and State Assembly elections held on Saturday, 18th March 2023.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe stated that the Commission decided to suspend the collection of results in Obingwa LGA in Abia State and the two outstanding LGAs in Enugu State – Nsukka and Nkanu East.
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He said that the results will be reviewed before the collations are concluded and appealed to voters, political parties, and candidates in the affected areas to bear with the Commission.
The statement reads: “The Commission met today, Monday 20th March 2023, and reviewed the conduct of the Governorship and State Assembly elections held nationwide on Saturday 18th March 2023. Arising from the meeting, the Commission decided to suspend forthwith further collation of the Governorship election results in some parts of Abia and Enugu States.
“It will be recalled that our office in Obingwa Local Government Area was invaded by thugs yesterday Sunday 19th March 2023 and our officials were held hostage in relation to the collation of results from the Local Government Area.
“Similarly, reports from Enugu State call for a review of the results of the Governorship election from the two outstanding Local Government Areas of Nsukka and Nkanu East.
“Consequently, the Commission hereby suspends the collation of results in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State and the two outstanding Local Government Areas of Enugu State which are yet to be collated. A review will be undertaken immediately before the process is concluded.
“We appeal for the understanding and patience of voters, parties, and candidates in the affected States”, Okoye stated.
