EKITI EAST BYE- ELECTION: INEC IMPOSES INDEFINITE SUSPENSION
Oru Leonard
The National Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), of Nigeria has suspended the EKITI State bye- election billed for Saturday, March 20, 2021
INEC took the decision as the supposed bye- elections were mared by violence, with two people dead, some Electoral Officers and some ad-hoc ataff also wounded by gunmen.
INEC acted on a report received from the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State that the bye-election to fill the vacancy for the Ekiti East 1 State Constituency was disrupted by violent attacks on voters, election officials and security personnel.
According to Festus Okoye Esq. The
National Commissioner and Chairman,
Information and Voter Education Committee, “The Commission made adequate arrangements for the election. Personnel and materials arrived on time in all the 39 Polling Units spread across 5 Wards of the Constituency for the 23,670 registered voters to exercise their franchise in a free and fair process.
“However, no sooner had voting commenced than unidentified gunmen unleashed mayhem at some Polling Units, thereby disrupting the process.
“Unfortunately some innocent voters were shot dead, while a policeman, some INEC regular and ad hoc staff who sustained gunshot injuries during the melee are receiving medical attention”, he stated.
The Commission warned that the violence and killings were unacceptable and vowed on the commitment to electoral integrity adding that “The Commission has suspended the election indefinitely. To continue with the process will amount to rewarding bad behavour. The security agencies are aware of this unfortunate situation and have commenced investigation.
“The Commission commiserates with the innocent victims of this dastardly act and affront to our democracy”.
