…Vows To Sanction Officials Involved
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended elections in some locations in Kogi States where electoral malpractices were reported.
INEC’s National Commissioner & Member Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday.
TheFact Daily had earlier reported that
INEC staff were allegedly caught with written results before accreditation at some polling units in Kogi state.
INEC, after investigation, confirmed the incidences of electoral malpractices, particularly the incident of result sheets completed before voting.
The Commission said, its “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”, it said.
INEC, however, said that “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”.
Meanwhile, the Commission said, “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.
“The Commission assures voters in Kogi State that their votes are protected, and their wishes will be respected”, it said.
