The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is investigating disruptions in elections that happened during the rerun and by-elections in Enugu, Akwa-Ibom, and Kano states. INEC disclosed this information through its X handle on Saturday.
The rerun and by-elections are currently happening in 26 states across the country. These elections are taking place in 80 local government areas, covering 575 registration areas and 8,934 polling units.
The 26 states include Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, revealed that 4,904,627 million voters registered before the elections, with only 4,613,291 million permanent voter cards collected.
By-elections in two senatorial, four House of Representatives, and three state Houses of Assembly seats are happening in nine states due to deaths and resignations. Additionally, re-runs resulting from court orders are taking place in one senatorial, 11 federal, and 22 state constituencies.
The commission stated, "Generally, polls opened promptly, and accreditation is going on smoothly in the 8,934 polling units in 26 states involved in today’s bye-elections and re-run elections."
“However, we are monitoring reported disruption of processes by acts of thuggery and hijacking of materials in some locations in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Kano states.
“In Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, we are investigating reported incidents in Village Hall, EdemUrua 003 in Ini LGA and Village Hall, Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA.
“In Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Enugu State, we are investigating reports of disruption in 8 Polling Units in Uwani West Ward.
“In Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituencies of Kano State, processes have been disrupted in Kunchi Local Government Area involving 10 Polling Units.
“We will provide regular updates on the situation.”
