The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled a supplementary election in Taraba State and a fresh re-run election in Enugu State for February 14th.
Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, made this remark on behalf of the commission on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to Olumekun, the commission made the decision during its normal meeting on Tuesday, when it discussed a number of matters, including the results of the by-election and rerun on Saturday.
Nine constituencies held bye-elections were used to replace seats left empty by the resignations or deaths of members elected in the general election of 2023 to the State and National Houses of Assembly.
In accordance with the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals’ orders, 39 constituencies also had rerun elections.
All designated constituencies had a successful conclusion to the by-election, according to Olumekun, with the exception of the Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency.
According to him, excessive voting in certain polling places caused the election’s final declaration to be delayed, which affected the lead between the candidates who received the most votes.
According to Olumekun, the polling unit details would be released on Wednesday.
“Regarding the re-run election, disruptions occurred at two polling units in the Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State and across all polling units in the Enugu South State Constituency of Enugu State and Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano State.
“This was due to violence, thuggery, and the hijacking of election materials.
“The commission had previously suspended the re-run election in these areas in accordance with Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act 20 of 22.
“Following additional reports from our officials in the affected states, the Commission supports the Returning Officer’s decision to announce results in the Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, as the number of registered voters in the two polling units did not affect the outcome of the election.
“The Commission has resolved to conduct a supplementary election in Taraba and a new re-run election in Enugu State on Wednesday Feb. 14.
“Due to security concerns, the election in Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency will be held at a later date, after further discussions with security agencies and stakeholders,” he said.