By Kamil Opeyemi
The Independent National Electoral Commission Saturday night announced it has suspended elections in some areas of Kogi state where violence have been reported.
The Commission, in a statement made available to the NPO Reports said it has received reports from its officials in Kogi State on incidences of electoral malpractices, particularly the incident of result sheets which were 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,” INEC said in a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner & Member Information and Voter Education Committee.
It said, “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.”
It listed areas affected as nine Wards in Ogori/Magongo LGA (Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben and Oturu).
INEC while firm decision has been taken on the aforementioned areas, “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.”
It assured that as the exercise continues, the commission will 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.”