From Our Correspondent
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended election in nine Registration Area (RAs) in Kogi State over electoral malpractices.
The INEC National Commissioner and Member, Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Haruna, confirmed the suspension in a statement on Saturday.
According to Haruna, INEC received reports from its officials in Kogi on incidences of electoral malpractices.
Officials, particularly cited the incident of result sheets already filled before voting.
“Reports indicate that 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 will not reward bad behaviour.
“Consequently, we have suspended the election in the nine Wards in Ogori/Magongo LGA at this moment,” he said.
TheNewsZenith reports that the affected RAs are Aiyeromi, Eni, Ileteju, Obatgben, Obinoyin, Okesi, Okibo, Oturu and Ugugu.
The National Commissioner said the commission is investigating incidences in the other local government areas .
He assured that INEC would announce the outcome, including the way forward, in the next 24 hours.
“Meanwhile, as the processes continue, we follow the audit trail of personnel and materials to ascertain those who may have undermine the process.
“We have a record of all officials deployed at various levels and all election materials issued to them.
“INEC will apply appropriate sanctions where necessary,“ Haruna assured.
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