INEC Fixes Nov 18 for Fresh Poll in Kogi Polling Units Where Elections Were Suspended

•APC urges electoral commission to ensure will of Kogi electorate prevails 

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that fresh election would be held on Saturday, 18th November 2023 in the affected Polling Units in Kogi states where election was suspended last Saturday.

Recall that some staffers of the commission were caught with pre-filled results sheets while election was still ongoing which led to the suspension of election in the affected polling units.

However, INEC National Commissioner and Member, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, in a statement issued Sunday said the resolution of the commission was in line with Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Clause 59 of INEC Regulations and Guidelines on the Conduct of Elections 2022.

He said: “Further to our Statement yesterday, we have received an update from our Kogi State office regarding the suspension of election in some locations in the State where result sheets were completed before the commencement of voting.”

Haruna noted that most critical incident occurred in nine out of 10 Wards in Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area (LGA). 

He stressed that the commission has received reports of similar and other incidents in Adavi — five Polling Units in Okunchi/Ozuri/Onieka Ward; Ajaokuta — five Polling Units in Adogo Ward; Okehi — one Polling Unit in Eika/Ohizenyi Ward; and Okene — five Polling Units in Obehira Uvete Ward). 

The National Commissioner noted that results from the affected Polling Units have been accounted for in Form EC40G for the four LGAs. 

Haruna added: “However, in the case of Ogori/Magongo LGA, only the result of Oshobane Ward II with eight Polling Units and 2,264 registered voters has been collated. 

“Election in the other nine Wards (Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben and Oturu) involving 59 Polling Units and 15,136 registered voters remain suspended. 

“In line with Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Clause 59 of INEC Regulations and Guidelines on the Conduct of Elections 2022, fresh election will be held on Saturday 18th November 2023 in the affected Polling Units.”

Haruna noted that the decision to hold fresh elections was subject to the Returning Officer’s determination of the application of the Margin of Lead Principle.

However, he explained that this decision was without prejudice to the commission’s avowed commitment to follow the audit trail of personnel and materials to ascertain those who might have been complicit in undermining the process and apply appropriate sanctions where necessary.

The commission  reiterated its assurances to voters in Kogi State that their votes would continue to count and their wishes respected.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the commission to protect the integrity of the legitimate votes of the Kogi electorate. 

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka in a statement issued Sunday said the announced and uploaded results, so far, showed the party’s candidate maintaining a landslide lead in Kogi West and Central, with a competitive showing in Kogi East.

He noted: “With the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Usman Ododo, coasting to spectacular victory in Saturday’s Kogi Guber election, we call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to protect the integrity of the legitimate votes of the Kogi electorate. 

“We are keenly aware of intense pressure, including violent threats on INEC staff, by agents and supporters of trailing opposition parties aimed at unduly influencing or disrupting ongoing collation of results in the state.”

The ruling party urged INEC to stand fast in the discharge of its constitutional duty to deliver free, fair and credible election in the state, and ensure that the freely exercised will of the Kogi electorate prevails.