INEC Suspends Polls In Nine Wards In Kogi

The Independent National Electoral Commission has suspended electoral processes in various registration areas in Ogori Magongo LGA of Kogi state.

The commission in a statement signed by a National Commissioner and Member of Information and Voter Education Committee, Muhammed Kudu Haruna said that the Commission has received reports from their 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 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 within the next 24hours”.

“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”.