INEC Halts Governorship Election in Selected Areas of Kogi State

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken the decision to suspend elections in nine wards within the Ogori/Magongo local government area of Kogi state. The electoral body released a statement citing electoral malpractices as the reason for the suspension, particularly highlighting incidents where result sheets were completed before voting took place in the affected areas.

The wards affected by the suspension are Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben, and Oturu. INEC reports that these incidents occurred across Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, and Okene local government areas. The national commissioner and member, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, emphasized that the most serious incidents unfolded in Ogori/Magongo, impacting nine out of the ten Registration Areas.

In an official statement, Haruna stated, "The Commission has received reports from our officials in Kogi State on incidences 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 ten Registration Areas."

INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION

PRESS RELEASE

SUSPENSION OF ELECTION IN SOME LOCATIONS IN KOGI STATE

The Commission has received reports from our officials in Kogi State on incidences of electoral malpractices, particularly the incident of result sheets completed… pic.twitter.com/O8ppLopK8L

— INEC Nigeria (@inecnigeria) November 11, 2023

He further emphasized the Commission's commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process, stating, "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 is at this moment suspended."

Haruna assured voters that their votes in Kogi State are protected, and the Commission will thoroughly investigate incidents in other local government areas. The outcome of the investigation, along with the way forward, will be announced within the next 24 hours. As the processes continue, INEC is diligently following the audit trail of personnel and materials to identify any complicity in undermining the electoral process. Appropriate sanctions will be applied where necessary. The Commission remains steadfast in ensuring that the wishes of the voters are respected.