INEC suspends collation of election results in Abia, Enugu

By JOHN ONAH, Abuja –

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has disclosed that it has suspended the collation of results in Abia and Enugu states.

The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.

Mr. Festus said the Commission met on Monday 20th March 2023 and reviewed the conduct of the Governorship and State Assembly elections held nationwide on Saturday 18th March 2023.

He said: “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”.

“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 called 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 suspended 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.

He further disclosed that 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”.