The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the Ekiti East State Constituency 1 bye-election following the outbreak of violence in various polling units in the Local Government Area (LGA).
In a statement released by the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti, Dr. Tella Adeniran, “A policewoman and two others were killed by suspected political thugs.
“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”.
In another statement released by the Commission titled, ‘SITUATION REPORT ON EKITI EAST STATE CONSTITUENCY 1 BYE-ELECTION’, also signed by Dr. Tella Adeniran.
It stated that: “The Ekiti East State Constituency 1 bye-election which started at 8.30 a.m. today witnessed 100% opening of polls at 8.30 a.m.
“The exercise commenced on a good note in a peaceful and orderly manner. However, at about 10.00 a,m there were reported cases of violence:
i. In two (2) PUs of ward 09 (Obadore IV); polling unit 8 (Baba Egbe house/odouro/Odoule) & polling unit 9 (Beside Baba Egbe/Odouru/Odoule) ii. Polling unit 07 (Aro street/Aro) of ward 07 (Obadore ll).
“In PU 07, ward 07 three (3) voters were shot dead while a youth corper, a police woman and an INEC staff sustained gunshot wounds.
“Under this circumstance, the safety of electoral officials, security personnel and election materials as well as the credibility of the process cannot be guaranteed.
“The State Commissioner of Police is fully aware of the situation.
“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 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.”
Read Also: REVEALED! This is What Happens When Your Car Tyres Slide On Wet Road – Forbes
