2023 Elections: INEC threatens to cancel Kogi results in Crisis Affected Areas
During the presidential and National Assembly elections in Kogi, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has threatened to annul election results from crisis-affected areas.
Dr. Hale Longpet, the Kogi Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), issued the warning in response to the crises that broke out in certain Local Government areas.
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Some polling units in Anyigba and Dekina in Kogi East, Mopa in Kogi West, and parts of Kogi Central allegedly had voting materials stolen by thugs.
“As you are aware, the electoral law states that if there is a disruption to the process, the result will be voided; the results of specific voting units will be voided.
“Initially, the problems were confined to Kogi East and Central, but I cannot say exactly where and where in the state have been affected until the electoral officers release the results.
“We understood that due to the violence, elections could not be held in the affected areas.
“I’m astounded that people can stoop so low as to ruin something that everyone should have enjoyed.
“Elections are peaceful, voluntary events in which people are offered the opportunity to participate freely.
“Again, if people are assured that everyone will have a pleasant experience, why should we have thugs invading the entire town or local government and disrupting the election process?” he asked.
Longpet stated, “This is extremely tragic and shocking when you consider the number of lives lost.”
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He explained that “election is not war,” so if you’re running for office to provide services for your people, you don’t need to engage in destructive activities.
He stated that anyone who does not wish to participate in the elections is not required to cast a ballot.
According to him, people who want to bring good things to their communities go out to positively engage and vote or exercise their right to vote, and they should not be prevented from doing so or denied the chance.
He revealed that he accompanied the state’s security chiefs in a motorcade to observe the elections from Adankolo to Crucial, Kabawa, and Falele.
He stated, “Yet, in all these locations, nobody was angry; rather, everyone was smiling and voting peacefully.”
The REC expressed delight that the city of Lokoja was so quiet that not a single voice could be heard.
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