The Independent National Electoral Commission has expressed worry about reported disruptions in the ongoing by-elections in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Kano states, where thugs allegedly hijacked election materials.
The commission shared its concern on its verified Twitter handle, stating, “Generally, polls opened promptly and accreditation going on smoothly in the 8,934 PUs in 26 states involved in today’s by-elections and re-run elections. However, we are monitoring reported disruption of processes by acts of thuggery and hijacking of materials in some locations in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Kano states.”
The by-elections are taking place in 26 states, with a total of 4,613,291 Nigerians expected to participate.
The elections aim to replace members who died or resigned from the national and state assemblies or as a result of court orders.
The specific areas of concern mentioned by INEC include incidents in Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, with reported issues in Village Hall, EdemUrua 003 in Ini LGA, and Village Hall Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA.
In Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Enugu State, reports of disruption in eight Polling Units in Uwani West Ward are being investigated.
Additionally, in Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituencies of Kano State, processes have been disrupted in Kunchi Local Government Area involving 10 PUs.
INEC assured the public of regular updates on the situation of the elections as it continues to monitor and investigate reported incidents.
