The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) convened its regular meeting today, Tuesday, February 6, 2024, to discuss various issues, including the results of the recent bye-elections and re-run elections held over the past weekend.
In total, bye-elections were conducted in nine constituencies to fill vacant seats resulting from the demise or resignation of elected officials during the 2023 general election, both at the National and State Houses of Assembly. Additionally, re-run elections took place in 39 constituencies as directed by the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals.
The bye-elections concluded smoothly in all designated constituencies except for the Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency. Here, the final declaration was delayed due to instances of over-voting in certain polling units, impacting the lead margin between the top candidates. Details of these polling units will be released tomorrow.
Regarding the re-run elections, disruptions were reported 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. These disruptions were attributed to violence, thuggery, and the hijacking of election materials.
In line with Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission had previously suspended the re-run elections in these areas.
After receiving additional reports from officials in the affected states, the Commission supports the decision of the returning officer to announce results in the Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, as the number of registered voters in the two polling units did not significantly impact the election outcome.
The Commission has resolved to conduct a supplementary election in Taraba State and a new re-run election in Enugu State, both scheduled for Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
Due to security concerns, the election in Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency will be postponed to a later date, following further consultations with security agencies and stakeholders.
INEC urges all eligible voters and stakeholders in the affected polling units in Taraba and Enugu States to participate peacefully in the upcoming elections and support their preferred candidates.
