INEC hints at cancelling some results on IReV

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it reserves the power to review results declared under duress.

The commission said this in a statement on Sunday morning.

Following the upload of results on its portal, different political parties have been laying claim to victory.

But in the statement, Mohammed Haruna, National Commissioner & Member, Information and Voter Education Committee, said the commission would not hesitate to invoke its power if the need arises.

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“Following the conclusion of voting yesterday, the Commission activated the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal and uploaded the Polling Unit results in earnest. The same results have also been collated from all the 192 Wards. Similarly, collation has been concluded in most of the Local Government Areas and the designated officials are already at the collation centre in Benin City or on their way. We are set to commence State-level collation.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the collation of result will proceed as provided by the Electoral Act 2022 and our regulations and guidelines for the conduct of elections. There is a mechanism for redressing complaints during collation, including the power to review results declared under duress. The Commission will not hesitate to invoke such powers where necessary.

“Accredited party agents, observers and the media should be granted unimpeded access to all collation centres.

“The Commission calls on the security agencies to continue to maintain the same vigilance and professionalism that led to the peaceful conduct of the election as we conclude the process.”

Details later…