The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced its decision to conduct fresh elections in nine wards where the election was suspended in Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State. The suspension was a result of electoral malpractices, including the completion of result sheets before the commencement of voting.
In an update on Sunday, Mohammed Haruna, the National Commissioner and Member of the Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC, stated that the incidents were under thorough investigation, and the outcomes, including the way forward, would be announced within the next 24 hours.
The affected wards in Ogori/Magongo LGA are Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben, and Oturu. Fresh elections in these wards, involving 59 polling units and 15,136 registered voters, are scheduled for Saturday, November 18, 2023, in accordance with Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Clause 59 of INEC Regulations and Guidelines on the Conduct of Elections 2022.
The decision to hold fresh elections is contingent on the Returning Officer’s determination of the application of the Margin of Lead Principle. INEC emphasized its commitment to following the audit trail of personnel and materials to identify any complicity in undermining the process and applying appropriate sanctions if necessary.
The commission reassured voters in Kogi State that their votes would continue to count, and their wishes would be respected despite the challenges encountered during the election.