The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken a decisive step by suspending elections in certain areas of Kogi State. Reports from INEC officials in the state highlighted significant cases of electoral malpractices, with a major concern being the completion of result sheets before the actual voting took place.
The affected regions, including Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, and Okene Local Government Areas, have witnessed unacceptable irregularities. Ogori/Magongo, in particular, faced severe issues, impacting nine out of ten Registration Areas.
INEC, expressing its firm stance against such behavior, emphasized that any results not originating from the official Commission’s process in the Polling Units would be rejected.
In a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner & Member of the Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC stated;
“This is entirely unacceptable. Any result not emanating from the Commission’s process in the Polling Units will not be accepted,” the Commission said in a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner & Member Information and Voter Education Committee.
“The Commission is determined not to reward bad behaviour. Consequently, 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.
“The incidences in the other Local Government Areas are being thoroughly investigated, and the outcome, including the way forward, will be announced in the next 24 hours,” it said.