INEC probes election disruptions in Enugu, Akwa-Ibom, Kano

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, said it was investigating election disruptions that occurred during the rerun/by-elections in Enugu, Akwa-Ibom and Kano states.

The commission disclosed this via its X handle on Saturday.

The rerun/by-elections are currently holding across 26 states in the country.

The elections are holding in 80 local government areas across 575 registration areas and 8,934 polling units.

The 26 states include Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, revealed that 4,904,627 million voters registered before the elections, while only 4,613,291 million permanent voter cards were collected.

By-elections in two senatorial, four House of Representatives, and three state Houses of Assembly seats are holding in nine states due to deaths and resignations.

Also, re-runs, which are a result of court orders, are holding in one senatorial, 11 federal, and 22 state constituencies.

Giving the latest updates, the commission said, “Generally, polls opened promptly and accreditation going on smoothly in the 8,934 polling units in 26 states involved in today's bye-elections and re-run elections.

“However, we are monitoring reported disruption of processes by acts of thuggery and hijacking of materials in some locations in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Kano states.

“In Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, we are investigating reported incidents in Village Hall, EdemUrua 003 in Ini LGA and Village Hall, Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA.

“In Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Enugu State, we are investigating reports of disruption in 8 Polling Units in Uwani West Ward.

“In Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituencies of Kano State, processes have been disrupted in Kunchi Local Government Area involving 10 Polling Units.

“We will provide regular updates on the situation.”