The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has verified reports of disruptions to the election processes due to acts of thuggery and the hijacking of materials in certain locations within Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Kano States.
On Saturday, the commission announced via its social media handle that the electoral processes were disrupted in these three states. It noted that, in general, polls opened promptly, and accreditation was progressing smoothly in the 8,934 Polling Units across 26 States involved in the bye-elections and re-run elections.
INEC stated, “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.”
As reported by SaharaReporters, over four million Nigerians were expected to vote in the re-run and bye-elections to fill 48 legislative seats across 26 states. INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, had assured of credible exercises and urged all stakeholders to support violence-free polls. The affected 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.
