By-elections: We’re monitoring reports of hijacking in Akwa Ibom, Kano, says INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is monitoring reports of hijacking of election materials in Akwa Ibom, Enugu and Kano states.

By-elections and rerun polls are currently taking place in 26 states.

The by-elections are a result of the death or resignation of members of the national and state assemblies, while rerun polls are court ordered.

In a statement on Saturday shared on its official X page, the commission said polls opened promptly and accreditation is going on smoothly in the 8,934 polling units.

INEC said it is however “monitoring reported disruption of processes by acts of thuggery and hijacking of materials in some locations in Akwa Ibom, Enugu and Kano States”.

“In Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, we are investigating reported incidents in Village Hall, Edem Urua 003 in Ini LGA and Village Hall Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA,” the statement reads.

“In Enugu South 1 state Constituency of Enugu State, we are investigating reports of disruption in 8 Polling Units in Uwani West Ward. 

“In Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituencies of Kano State, processes have been disrupted in Kunchi Local Government Area involving 10 Polling Units. We will provide regular updates on the situation.”