The Independent National Electoral Commission on Wednesday said it has concluded the review of the Abia and Enugu state Governorship elections and has ordered a continuation of the process.

Mr. Festus Okoye Esq. National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, said :” the collation of results for the Governorship election in both Abia and Enugu States will continue today 22nd March 2023″.

He said the Commission met on Monday 20th March 2023 and reviewed the conduct of the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections held nationwide on Saturday 18th March 2023.

The Commission took the decision to suspend further collation of the Governorship election results in some parts of Abia and Enugu States in order to carry out a review of the collation processes in both States.

“The Commission appreciates the patience and understanding of the people of both states as we conclude the collation processes”, he stressed.

Mr. Okoye had on Monday confirmed that the Commission had suspended further collation of the Governorship election results in some parts of Abia and Enugu States. The Commission also declared the Adamawa state Governorship Election inconclusive.

Mr. Okoye who issued a statement on the Abia and Enugu states election said the decision was taken to suspend the Collation after the election was reviewed by INEC.

He said INEC office :”in Obingwa Local Government Area was invaded by thugs yesterday Sunday 19th March 2023 and our officials held hostage in relation to the collation of results from the Local Government Area. Similarly, reports from Enugu State call for a review of the results for the Governorship election from the two outstanding Local Government Areas of Nsukka and Nkanu East.

“Consequently, the Commission hereby suspends the collation of results in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State and the two outstanding Local Government Areas of Enugu State which are yet to be collated. A review will be undertaken immediately before the process is concluded”,he promised.

The Commission, however, appealed for the understanding and patience of voters, parties and candidates in the affected States.