In a disturbing turn of events, thugs have disrupted the rerun and bye-elections in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Kano states, hijacking electoral materials and causing chaos at various polling units. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been forced to suspend the elections in these affected areas due to the safety concerns and irregularities.
Akwa Ibom State:
In Akwa Ibom State, the rerun elections were marred by incidents of violence and the hijacking of election materials. Two polling units, namely Village Hall, EdemUrua 003 in Ini LGA, and Village Hall Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA, witnessed the complete carting away of all election materials by hoodlums. This unfortunate incident led to the suspension of the elections in these areas.
Enugu State:
Similarly, Enugu State experienced disruptions in the Enugu South 1 State Constituency. Reports indicate that elections were suspended in eight polling units in Uwani West Ward due to acts of thuggery and the unavailability of original result sheets for inspection by voters before the polls began.
Kano State:
In Kano State, the Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency was affected by the activities of thugs. The elections were disrupted in all ten polling units in Kunchi LGA due to invasion, vandalization, and disruption by these criminal elements.
INEC’s Response:
The Independent National Electoral Commission has expressed deep regret over the disruptions and irregularities that occurred during the rerun and bye-elections. In a statement, INEC stated that it is investigating the incidents and monitoring the situation closely. The commission has also called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate these incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Suspension of Elections:
In response to the safety concerns and irregularities, INEC has suspended the ongoing rerun elections in specific constituencies in Enugu, Kano, and Akwa Ibom states. This decision aligns with the provisions of Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022. Further necessary measures for the affected constituencies will be announced after INEC’s meeting on Monday.
Impact on Democracy:
The disruption of elections by thugs and the hijacking of electoral materials is a direct attack on the democratic process. It undermines the rights of citizens to freely choose their representatives and erodes public trust in the electoral system. It is crucial for the authorities to take swift action to ensure that those responsible for these acts are held accountable and that such incidents do not recur in future elections.