Why INEC suspended collation of results in Abia, Enugu
The Independent National Electoral Commission has suspended further collation of governorship election results in some parts of Abia and Enugu states.
This was made known in a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye on Monday.
It will be recalled that INEC’s office in Obingwa Local Government Area in Abia State was invaded by thugs on Sunday, March 19, 2023, and its officials were held hostage in relation to the collation of results from the Local Government Area.
Similarly, reports from Enugu State called for a review of the results of the governorship election from the two outstanding Local Government Areas of Nsukka and Nkanu East.
According to Okoye, the entire process would be reviewed before it is concluded.
The statement read in part, “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.
“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.”
Meanwhile, a source from INEC informed Famousreporters.com that Barrister Festus Okoye, National Commissioner And Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee would be visiting Abia State tomorrow.
The purpose of the proposed visit of Barr. Okoye is yet undisclosed.
