INEC Suspends Rerun Elections In Akwa Ibom

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the suspension of ongoing rerun elections in some polling units in Akwa Ibom State.

A statement on Saturday by Sam Olumekun, its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, blamed the decision on disruptions, irregularities and abduction of election officials.

The statement said the “affected areas are as follows: Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State. Suspension of elections in two Polling Units (Village Hall, EdemUrua 003 in Ini LGA and Village Hall Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA) where all election materials were carted away by hoodlums.”

The commission had earlier stated that it was monitoring reports of hijacking and thuggery in the state alongside two other states rerun elections are taking place.

It said it relied on section 24(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 to arrive at the decision noting that, “Further necessary measures for the affected constituencies will be announced after the Commission’s meeting on Monday.”

It added that it “invites the security agencies to investigate the incidents, while the Commission commits to thoroughly interrogating any breaches involving its officials.”