INEC fixes Feb 14 for conduct of suspended by-election, rerun polls in Taraba, Enugu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed February 14 to conduct the by-election and rerun polls suspended in Taraba and Enugu states.

On February 3, by-elections were held in nine constituencies to fill seats left vacant by the demise or resignation of members elected during the 2023 general election in the national and state houses of assembly.

Re-run elections also took place in 39 constituencies as ordered by the election petition appeal tribunals.

In the by-election, the final declaration of the Jalingo/Yorro/Zing federal constituency of Taraba was postponed due to over-voting in certain polling units, impacting the margin of lead between the candidates with the highest number of votes and others.

In the rerun, INEC suspended the election in two polling units in the Ikono/Ini federal constituencies of Akwa Ibom state.

The commission also suspended election in all polling units in the Enugu south state constituency and Kunchi/Tsanyawa state constituency of Kano due to disruptions, violence, thuggery and the hijacking of election materials.

In a statement on Tuesday, Sam Olumekun, national commissioner and chairman, information and voter education committee, said the returning officer had later announced results in the Ikono/Ini federal constituency.

He said the commission supports the decision 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 State and a new re-run election in Enugu State, both scheduled for Wednesday 14th February 2024,” the statement reads.

”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.

“We urge all eligible voters and stakeholders in the impacted Polling Units in Taraba and Enugu States to participate peacefully in the upcoming elections and support their preferred candidates.”