INEC orders fresh poll on Nov 18 in parts of Kogi over irregularities

• Vows to sanction erring staff

• PDP, AA candidates allege irregularities, call for cancellation

• Say results sheets compiled before start of voting

• SDP rejects results in five LGAs

By Lateef Ibrahim

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday said it has received an update from its Kogi State office regarding the suspension of election in some locations in the State where result sheets were completed before the commencement of voting.
A statement yesterday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner & Member Information and Voter Education Committee said the most critical incident occurred in nine out of 10 Wards in Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area (LGA).
“We received reports of similar and other incidents in Adavi (5 Polling Units in Okunchi/Ozuri/Onieka Ward), Ajaokuta (5 Polling Units in Adogo Ward), Okehi (1 Polling Unit in Eika/Ohizenyi Ward) and Okene (5 Polling Units in Obehira Uvete Ward).
“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 (Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben and Oturu) involving 59 Polling Units and 15,136 registered voters remain suspended. In line with Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Clause 59 of INEC Regulations and Guidelines on the Conduct of Elections 2022, fresh election will be held on Saturday 18thNovember 2023 in the affected Polling Units.
“The decision to hold fresh elections is subject to the Returning Officer’s determination of the application of the Margin of Lead Principle. However, 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 and apply appropriate sanctions where necessary.
“The Commission wishes to reiterate its assurances to voters in Kogi State that their votes will continue to count and their wishes respected,” the INEC statement said.
Meanwhile, Murtala Ajaka, the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP has alleged that original result sheets were missing in Okene, Okehi and Adavi, and taken elsewhere for rewriting and compiling.
He said recorded evidence of the electoral offence have been compiled and sent to the authorities and INEC.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the necessary security that aided a peaceful conduct, adding however that the biggest misdeed was the compromise by some electoral officials.
Also, PDP governorship candidate, Dino Melaye has called for the cancellation of the election in Kogi due to manipulation of result sheets already prepared before commencement of voting.