Tobias Sylvester
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended collation of the governorship election results in some parts of Abia and Enugu states.
The INEC National Commissioner, Festus Okoye, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, he said the electoral body took the decision after a meeting to review the elections on Monday.
Okoye said the Commission has suspended the collation of results in Obingwa LGA of Abia State where he noted that its staff members were held hostage on Sunday.
He added that the results from Enugu East and Nsukka LGAs in Enugu State have also been suspended for further review which will be undertaken immediately before the process is concluded.
The statement reads, “SUSPENSION OF FURTHER COLLATION OF GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION RESULTS IN ABIA AND ENUGU STATES
“The Commission met today, Monday 20th March 2023 and reviewed the conduct of the Governorship and State Assembly elections held nationwide on Saturday 18th March 2023.
“Arising from the meeting, the Commission took the decision to suspend forthwith further collation of the Governorship election results in some parts of Abia and Enugu States.
“It will be recalled that our 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. We appeal for the understanding and patience of voters, parties and candidates in the affected States.”
KanyiDaily recalls that Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo had recently slammed the INEC over the ongoing governorship and state assembly elections.
