The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken the decision to suspend the governorship elections in certain locations in Kogi State, as announced by Mohammed Harun, INEC National Commissioner and Member of the Information and Voter Education Committee. The suspension comes in response to reports of electoral malpractices received from the state, with a major concern being the completion of result sheets before voting.
Affected areas include Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, and Okene Local Government Areas, with Ogori/Magongo experiencing particularly serious incidents in nine out of ten Registration Areas. INEC emphasized its commitment to rejecting results not originating from the commission’s polling unit processes, stating, “The Commission is determined not to reward bad behaviour.”
As a result, the election in the nine wards of Ogori/Magongo LGA (Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben, and Oturu) is currently suspended. Investigations into incidents in other local government areas are underway, and the outcomes, along with the course of action, will be announced within the next 24 hours.
