February 07, (THEWILL) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled a supplementary election in Taraba and a new re-run election in Enugu State for Wednesday, February 14.
In a statement by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission said it took the decision at its meeting on Tuesday, where it deliberated, among other issues, the outcome of the Saturday re-run and by-elections.
The INEC had on Saturday, February 3, held a re-run and bye-elections in 26 states to fill vacant seats resulting from deaths and resignations of members elected during the 2023 General Election, both at the National and State Houses of Assembly. Some of the vacant seats were also on the order of a court.
“Regarding the re-run election, disruptions occurred at two polling units in the Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State and across all polling units in the Enugu South State Constituency of Enugu State and Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano State.
“This was due to violence, thuggery and the hijacking of election materials.
“The Commission had previously suspended the re-run election in these areas in accordance with Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act 20 of 22.
“Following additional reports from our officials in the affected States, the Commission supports the Returning Officer’s decision to announce results in the Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency as the number of registered voters in the two polling units did not affect the outcome of the election.
“The Commission has resolved to conduct a supplementary election in Taraba and a new re-run election in Enugu State on Wednesday, Feb. 14.
“Due to security concerns, the election in Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency will be held at a later date after further discussions with security agencies and stakeholders,” he said.
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