To lend credibility to its handling of the governorship election in Kogi state, especially in places where pre-filled elections results were found, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced on Sunday that fresh election will be held on Saturday 18th November 2023 in some Polling Units and wards in Kogi state.

Alhaji Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Member Information and Voter Education Committee who made the announcement in a statement on Sunday said the decision was 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.

According to him, the most critical incident occurred in nine out of 10 Wards in Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area (LGA).

His words: “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,” he said.

He said the decision to hold fresh elections is, however, 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”, he stressed.

The Commission , according to Mallam Haruna ,wishes to reiterate its assurances to voters in Kogi State that their votes will continue to count and their wishes respected.

The Commission had on Saturday announced the suspension of election in some areas in Kogi State.

Specifically, the electoral umpire blamed reports of incidences of Electoral malpractices, particularly incidents of result sheets completed before voting.

The affected area, according to INEC include Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene Local Government Areas.

The Commission said Ogori/Magongo was most affected with nine of 10 Registration Areas involved.

The commission also vowed to deal with any of its staff that might be found culpable in the malpractices.

The statement, tilted :” Suspension of election in some locations in Kogi State” reads: “The Commission has received reports from our officials in Kogi State on incidences of electoral malpractices, particularly the incident of result sheets completed before voting.

“Reports indicate that the incidents occurred in Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene Local Government Areas. The most serious incidents occurred in Ogori/Magongo, affecting nine of 10 Registration Areas.

“This is entirely unacceptable. Any result not emanating from the Commission’s process in the Polling Units will not be accepted.

“The Commission is determined not to reward bad behaviour. Consequently, the election in the nine Wards in Ogori/Magongo LGA (Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben and Oturu) is at this moment suspended. The incidences in the other Local Government Areas are being thoroughly investigated, and the outcome, including the way forward, will be announced in the next 24 hours.

“Meanwhile, as the processes continue, we follow the audit trail of personnel and materials to ascertain those who may have been complicit in undermining the process. We have a record of all officials deployed at various levels as supervisors, monitors, technical staff or polling unit officials and all election materials issued to them. Appropriate sanctions will be applied where necessary.

“The Commission assures voters in Kogi State that their votes are protected, and their wishes will be respected.”