By Aliyu Dangida
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the ongoing elections in Kunchi/Tsanyawa state constituencies in Kano state due to violence and invasion of polling units by thugs.
Daily News 24 reports that the commission also suspended polls in Enugu and Akwa Ibom states due to disruptions, irregularities and abduction of officials.
This was contained in an update by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC on Saturday.
According to the statement: “The affected areas are as follows: Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State Suspension of elections in two Polling Units (Village Hall, EdemUrua 003 in Ini LGA and Village Hall Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA) where all election materials were carted away by hoodlums.
“Enugu South 1 State Constituency, Enugu State Suspension of elections in all eight Polling Units where the original results sheets were not available for inspection by voters before the commencement of polls.
“Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency, Kano State Suspension of elections in all ten Polling Units in Kunchi LGA due to invasion, vandalization, and disruption by thugs. 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. Sam Olumekun mni National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee Saturday 3rd February 2024”.
