The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced fresh elections in wards where elections were cancelled in Kogi state on Saturday, November 11.

In a statement signed by the INEC National Commissioner & Member Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, Sunday night and shared on the commission’s X handle, the election would be held on Saturday, November 18.

“We received reports of similar and other incidents in Adavi (five polling units in Okunchi/Ozuri/Onieka Ward), Ajaokuta (five polling units in Adogo Ward), Okehi (one polling unit in Eika/Ohizenyi Ward) and Okene (five 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.

The commission said 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, a fresh election would be held on Saturday, 18th November 2023, in the affected polling units.

It stressed that the decision to conduct a fresh election depended on the returning officer’s decision on the application of the Margin of Lead Principle.

“The decision to hold fresh elections is 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,” the commission added.

While the election was ongoing on Saturday, November 11, the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) claimed the poll was marred by malpractices.

Both candidates claimed there were pre-filled election results in some LGAs in the state, including Okenne, Okehi and Adavi local government areas, when elections had yet to start.

They urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to question the people involved.

The ICIR reported INEC admitted the malpractices and cancelled the election in parts of the LGAs.