#KOGIDECIDES2023: INEC suspends election in some locations in Kogi State
Oru Leonard
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria has suspended the voting process in some areas of Kogi State following reports of widespread electoral malpractice.
INEC disclosed that the most severe incidents took place in Ogori/Magongo, where nine of the ten Registration Areas were implicated.
The National Commissioner & Member Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Mohammed Kudu Haruna on Saturday said 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. 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, 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”, INEC stated and assured voters in Kogi State that their votes are protected, and their wishes will be respected.
