The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended Saturday’s re-run elections in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Kano states over disruptions, irregularities, and abduction of election officials.

INEC announced this in a statement issued by its National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, on Saturday, February 3, 2024.

Olumekun noted that the election was suspended in two Polling Units (Village Hall, EdemUrua 003 in Ini Local Government Area and Village Hall Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA of Akwa Ibom State) after election materials were carted away by hoodlums.

He stated that the re-run election was suspended in all eight Polling Units in Enugu South 1 State Constituency, Enugu State where the original results sheets were not available for inspection by voters before the commencement of the poll.

Heavy security as INEC holds by-election in Lagos

The INEC official said the election was suspended in all ten Polling Units in the Kunchi Local Government Area of Kano State due to invasion, vandalisation, and disruption by thugs.

Olumekun added: “The decision of the Commission aligns with the provisions of Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

“Further necessary measures for the affected constituencies will be announced after the Commission’s meeting on Monday.

“INEC invites the security agencies to investigate the incidents, while the Commission commits to thoroughly interrogating any breaches involving its officials.”

The Star