Why We Suspended Election Results Collation In Enugu, Abia – INEC

Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has suspended further Collation of election results in some parts of Enugu and Abia States.

INEC in a press statement issued on Monday by the Commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Barrister Festus Okoye, the suspension of further Collation of Governorship election results in the affected states is to enable the electoral body review the results coming from Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State and Nsukka and Nkanu East local government areas of Enugu State.

According to INEC, its office was attacked on Sunday at Obingwa Local Government Area and some of its officials held hostage.

“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.

“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 call 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 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”, INEC in a statement said.