BREAKING: INEC suspends collation of guber results in Abia, Enugu
By Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has directed the immediate suspension of collation of governorship election results in Abia and Enugu States.
INEC cited alleged cases of violence, irregularities and invasion of its offices in the affected states as reason for the action.
According to a statement issued Monday by the Head, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, the commission would review results in the affected LGAs.
But Alex Otti of the Labour Party is already leading in the 12 LGAs so far declared.
Below is a full text of the statement.
“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.”
