INEC Suspends Election Indefinitely

INEC has suspended election indefinitely.

NewsOne Nigeria reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigeria’s electoral umpire, has suspended The Ekiti East constituency I bye-election.

This online news platform understands that the election was suspended following the outbreak of violence in various polling units in the LGA.

NewsOne Nigeria recalls that a policewoman and two others were killed by suspected political thugs during the attack.

Tella Adeniran, INEC resident electoral commissioner for Ekiti, in a statement disclosed that “the situation is such that, a conducive environment no longer exists for further electoral activity at the PUs and the Collation centers,”.

“In view of this development, the Commission has suspended the election forthwith.”

The INEC resident electoral commissioner for Ekiti added that “the safety of electoral officials, security personnel and election materials, as well as the credibility of the process, cannot be guaranteed”, adding that the state commissioner of police is “fully aware of the situation”.

Breaking News:
INDEFINITE SUSPENSION OF EKITI EAST 1 STATE CONSTITUENCY BYE-ELECTION pic.twitter.com/gRsN0Zvhf7

— INEC Nigeria (@inecnigeria) March 20, 2021

Furthermore, the statement noted that “it is unfortunate that in spite of the effort of the commission in giving Nigerians free, fair, credible and inclusive election, some people appear to be unprepared for an improved electoral process”.

The Ekiti East constituency I seat became vacant following the death of Juwa Adegbuyi, the former representative.

On Friday, the Ekiti State Police Command announced a restriction of movement ahead of the election.