The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday announced the suspension of collation exercises across some parts of Enugu and Abia States.
The commission, in a statement issued on Monday by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye cited violence in some parts of the affected areas as the reason for its decision.
“It would be recalled that our office in Obingwa local government area was invaded by thugs yesterday Sunday 20th 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 result from the Governorship election from the two outstanding local government areas 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 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”.
In a reaction, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Collation Agent in Abia State, Mr Charles Esonu said there was no recorded act of violence in Obingwa LGA of Abia State before, during and after the election of March 18, 2023.
“Our Party agents at Obingwa collation centre only ensured that INEC’s directive that results must be announced at units, collated at ward then local government levels and result sheets issued to agents be complied with.
“We therefore implore INEC to do the right thing by not raising false alarms but to announce the results as collated in Obingwa.” Esonu said
Meanwhile, the Labour Party is leading in 10 LGAs, PDP 5, YPP 1, and Obingwa LGA stands suspended.
PIAK
