INEC cancels election in parts of Kogi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced suspension of election in some parts of Kogi State.

Kogi is one of the three states where Saturday’s off-cycle election held.

Midway into commencement of the exercise, Yiaga Africa, a Civil Society group, raised the alarm over some doctored result sheets.

INEC had responded saying it was investigating the issue.

In a statement on Saturday night, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Member, Information and Voter Education Committee, announced that results emanating from the polling units with doctored sheets would not be accepted.

“The Commission has received reports from our officials in Kogi State on incidences of electoral malpractices, particularly the incident of result sheets completed before voting.”

“Reports indicate that the incidents occurred in Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene Local Government Areas. The most serious incidents occurred in Ogori/Magongo, affecting nine of 10 Registration Areas.

“This is entirely unacceptable. Any result not emanating from the Commission’s process in the Polling Units will not be accepted. 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.

“Meanwhile, as the processes continue, we follow the audit trail of personnel and materials to ascertain those who may have been complicit in undermining the process. We have a record of all officials deployed at various levels as supervisors, monitors, technical staff or polling unit officials and all election materials issued to them. Appropriate sanctions will be applied where necessary.

“The Commission assures voters in Kogi State that their votes are protected, and their wishes will be respected.”