The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has mandated fresh elections in certain wards in the ongoing governorship election in Kogi state.
The decision comes in response to the discovery of pre-filled result sheets circulating during the voting process, leading to the suspension of elections across nine wards.
Mohammed Haruna, a National Commissioner, announced on Sunday that the most critical incident occurred in nine out of 10 wards in Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area (LGA). Similar incidents were also reported in Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okehi, and Okene.
Haruna stated, “Results from the affected Polling Units have been accounted for in Form EC40G for the four LGAs.
“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 involving 59 Polling Units and 15,136 registered voters remain suspended.”
In accordance with the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC Regulations and Guidelines on the Conduct of Elections 2022, fresh elections have been scheduled for Saturday, November 18, 2023, in the affected polling units.
Haruna emphasized that the decision to hold fresh elections is subject to the Returning Officer’s determination of the application of the Margin of Lead Principle.
INEC assured voters in Kogi state that their votes will continue to count, and the commission remains committed to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process by investigating and sanctioning any complicity that undermined the election.
