INEC holds runoff guber polls nine Kogi wards Nov.18
Rerun off-cycle governorship election will hold in nine wards in the Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State on November 18, 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission said in Abuja on Sunday.
The decision followed the suspension of the November 11 off-cycle governorship election in the wards.
National Commissioner and Member, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, Mr Mohammed Haruna, explained that the suspension arose from reports that result sheets were completed for the wards before voting began on November 11.
He added that the most critical incidents occurred in nine wards out of the 10 wards in Ogori/Magongo LGA.
“We received reports of similar and other incidents in Adavi Local Government Area involving five polling units in Okunchi/Ozuri/Onieka Ward.
“We also received reports from Ajaokuta Local Government Area involving five polling units in Adogo Ward and in one polling unit in Eika/Ohizenyi Ward in Okehi Local Government Area. Five polling units in Obehira Uvete Ward in Okene Local Government Area were also affected.
“Results from the affected polling units have been accounted for in Form EC40G for the four local government areas.
“In the case of Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area, 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 – Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben and Oturu – involving 59 polling units and 15,136 registered voters remain suspended.
“In line with Electoral Act (2022) and INEC Regulations and Guidelines on the Conduct of Elections (2022), fresh elections will be held on Saturday November 18 in the affected polling units,’’ Haruna declared.
He added that the decision to hold fresh elections was subject to the returning officer’s determination of the application of the margin of lead principle.
“This decision is without prejudice to our avowed commitment to follow the audit trail of personnel and materials to ascertain those who may have been complicit in undermining the process. Appropriate sanctions will be meted where necessary,’’ he assured.
Haruna reiterated INEC’s assurances to Kogi voters that their votes would continue to count and their wishes respected.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Enugu: INEC moves PVC collection to Nsukka electoral wardsÂ
INEC said the move had become necessary to make it easier for people in rural areas to collect their voter cards.
States
Police arrest 12 suspected kidnappers in Kaduna
The police said the arrests were made during targeted raids, patrols and joint operations with other security agencies.
NationWide
2027: CJN warns judges against favouritism, conflicting rulings in election disputes
Ms Kekere-Ekun warned that forum shopping could undermine orderly judicial process and expose the judiciary to avoidable embarrassment.
Politics
Wike declares himself ‘commander of field operations’ for Tinubu’s campaign in FCT, Rivers
Mr Wike urged members of the APC and the PDP to work together to secure Mr Tinubu’s re-election.
NationWide
Affordable Housing: FG, states push for single-digit mortgage rates, longer repayment
The commissioner lamented that Nigeria faces a housing deficit of over 14.5 million units, with about 50.6 million people living in unsafe houses.
Sport
NLO directs clubs to secure home grounds, display sponsorship panels
NLO directed participating clubs to ensure that their playing surfaces, dressing rooms and other ancillary facilities were in good condition.
