THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended further collation of the gubernatorial election in Abia and Enugu states.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Monday, March 20, by the Chairman, INEC Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye.
“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 would 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,” the statement said.
INEC added that reports from Enugu State call for a review of governorship election results from the two outstanding local government areas – 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 Area of Enugu State which are yet to be collated.”
A review would be undertaken immediately before the process is concluded, the Commission disclosed.
The statement noted that INEC is pleading for the understanding and patience of all stakeholders in the two states.
A reporter with the ICIR
A Journalist with a niche for quality and a promoter of good governance