November 11, (THEWILL) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has announced the suspension of elections in nine wards in Kogi State over reports of electoral malpractice.
The Commission in a statement, due on Saturday night by its National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the nine wards are in the Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Commission, the Wards are; Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben and Oturu.
The commission, however, assured voters in Kogi State that their votes are protected, and their wishes will be respected
The statement reads in part: “The Commission has received reports from our officials in Kogi State on incidents 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.”
