The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken decisive action by suspending elections in nine wards in the Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State due to reported incidents of electoral malpractice.
The affected wards include Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben, and Oturu.
The announcement came through a statement issued on Saturday night by the National Commissioner & Member of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
“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,“ the statement reads.
“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 statement partly read.
It added, “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.
“The Commission assures voters in Kogi State that their votes are protected, and their wishes will be respected.”
