The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken decisive action by suspending elections in certain areas of Kogi State due to reported incidents of electoral malpractices.
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The decision comes after INEC officials in the state conveyed information about irregularities, with a particular emphasis on the completion of result sheets before voting took place.
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The affected areas, as identified by the Commission, include Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, and Okene Local Government Areas. Among these, the most severe incidents were reported in Ogori/Magongo, impacting nine out of ten Registration Areas.
In a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner & Member of the Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC expressed strong disapproval of the situation, stating, “This is entirely unacceptable. Any result not emanating from the Commission’s process in the Polling Units will not be accepted.”
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The suspension of the election is specifically applied to the nine Wards in Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area (Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben, and Oturu). INEC emphasized its commitment to not rewarding electoral misconduct, asserting that results not derived from the Commission’s established processes would be rejected.
INEC assured the public that thorough investigations into incidents in other Local Government Areas are underway.
The outcomes of these investigations, along with the appropriate course of action, will be announced within the next 24 hours. The electoral body remains steadfast in its dedication to ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process in Kogi State.
