The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has suspended further collation of results in some parts of Abia and Enugu states.
The suspension was announced on Monday by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Vote Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye.
In a statement he issued, Okoye said INEC took the decision on Monday during its review of the conduct of the governorship and state assembly elections held on Saturday.
He explained that the action followed the invasion of INEC office in Abia and the holding hostage of some of its officials.
The statement reads in part: “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 Area of Enugu State which are yet to be collated. A review will be undertaken immediately before the process is concluded.”
The commission appealed for the understanding and patience of voters, parties and candidates in the affected states.
