Victor EzejaThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced its decision to conduct fresh elections in some polling units in Kogi State on Saturday, 18 November 2023, following reports of electoral malpractices, particularly the incident of result sheets completed before voting.
The Commission had on Saturday announced that it received reports of election results manipulation in Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene Local Government Areas of Kogi State in the off-cycle governorship elections. It said the most serious incidents occurred in Ogori/Magongo, affecting nine of 10 Registration Areas.
The electoral body consequently suspended elections in the affected areas, adding that any result coming from there would not be accepted.
READ ALSO: Kogi Guber Poll: Dino Melaye, SDP Call For Cancellation, As APC’s Ododo Wins 12 Out Of 21 LGAs
In a statement on Sunday evening, signed by the INEC spokesperson, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission said it has received additional reports from its Kogi State office about election results manipulation in “Adavi (5 Polling Units in Okunchi/Ozuri/Onieka Ward), Ajaokuta (5 Polling Units in Adogo Ward), Okehi (1 Polling Unit in Eika/Ohizenyi Ward) and Okene (5 Polling Units in Obehira Uvete Ward).”
“Results from the affected Polling Units have been accounted for in Form EC40G for the four LGAs.”
Continuing, the statement said: “However, in the case of Ogori/Magongo LGA, only the result of Oshobane Ward II with eight Polling Units and 2,264 registered voters has been collated. Election in the other nine Wards (Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben and Oturu) involving 59 Polling Units and 15,136 registered voters remain suspended.
“In line with Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Clause 59 of INEC Regulations and Guidelines on the Conduct of Elections 2022, a fresh election will be held on Saturday 18th November 2023 in the affected Polling Units.
“The decision to hold fresh elections is subject to the Returning Officer’s determination of the application of the Margin of Lead Principle. However, this decision is without prejudice to our avowed commitment to follow the audit trail of personnel and materials to ascertain those who may have been complicit in undermining the process and apply appropriate sanctions where necessary.”
The Commission reassured voters in Kogi State that their votes would continue to count and their wishes respected.
Meanwhile, The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Usman Ahmed Ododo, is leading according to results collated so far by INEC in the state. Ododo’s main challengers, Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic (SDP) have called for the cancellation of the election.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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