INEC Suspends Electoral Officer in Plateau over Missing Ballots, Protest Rocks Jos

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended its Electoral Officer (EO) for Jos North Local Government Area, believed to be complicit in the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of ballot papers in 16 polling units in the local government on Saturday.

This was as the supporters of People’s Redemption Party (PRP) protested against the continuation of election on Sunday in some areas of Jos North LGA.
In a letter signed by Head of Department, Electoral Operations of INEC, Isah Abah Idakwo, the commission directed the EO to hand over to the local government supervisor, Elekwa Onyemauche.

The letter read: “You are directed to step aside from office to enable the commission carry out proper investigation on circumstances that led to the missing of Federal House of Representatives ballot papers in 16 polling units in your local government.

“You’re further directed to hand over to Barr. Elekwa Onyemauche the Local Government Supervisor and the two RA Supervisors in Tudun-wada/Kabong and Naragutta-B (EO Shendam and EO Kanke LGA respectively) to coordinate and complete the remaining process.”

Meanwhile, the protesters said by continuing the voting exercise on Sunday after voting had earlier ended on Saturday, they had lost confidence in the credibility of the enter process.

Meanwhile, collation of ballots continued on yesterday evening after conclusion of voting in the 16 polling units where voting were postponed.