INEC has halted the electoral process in nine wards during the Kogi Gubernatorial polls.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended elections in nine wards of Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area in Kogi State due to reported incidents of electoral malpractices. The affected wards are Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben, and Oturu.

This announcement was made by INEC National Commissioner and member of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, on Saturday night. Haruna specifically highlighted the completion of result sheets before voting as a serious violation and deemed it “entirely unacceptable.”

Haruna stated, “Any result not emanating from the Commission’s process in the Polling Units will not be accepted,” emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to not rewarding such misconduct. The suspension applies to the mentioned nine wards in Ogori/Magongo LGA.

INEC is conducting a thorough investigation into the reported malpractices in other Local Government Areas, including Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okehi, and Okene. The outcome and the way forward will be announced within the next 24 hours.

In response to the malpractices, INEC plans to probe the incidents and identify those who may have been involved in undermining the electoral process. Haruna assured voters in Kogi State that their votes are protected, and the Commission is dedicated to respecting their wishes. The statement also mentioned the audit trail of personnel and materials to hold accountable those found complicit in the irregularities. Appropriate sanctions will be applied as necessary to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.