INEC Faces Challenges In Plateau Rerun Elections

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) encountered obstacles during the rerun elections in Plateau State, as the alleged disappearance of ballot papers led to the suspension of the Electoral Officer for Jos North Local Government Area, Fred Ogboji.

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The Plateau North Senatorial District and Jos North/Bassa Federal constituency rerun elections experienced voter apathy and ballot paper shortages.

In a letter dated February 4, 2024, INEC suspended Ogboji, directing him to hand over responsibilities for a proper investigation into the missing ballot papers.

Isa Abah Idakwo, Head of Department, Electoral Operations, stated that the handover should be to Barrister Elekwa Onyemauche, the Local Government Supervisor, and the two RA Supervisors of Tudun Wada/Kabong and Naraguta B.

“You are directed to step aside from office to enable the commission to carry out proper investigation and circumstances that led to the missing of Federal House of Representatives ballot papers in 16 polling units in your local government.” – Isa Abah Idakwo, Head of Department, Electoral Operations

Meanwhile, Kaduna State witnessed violence during the by-elections, with the killing of a 40-year-old man, Mansur Shafiu, in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government Area.

Shafiu was allegedly killed while trying to prevent the snatching of ballot boxes by suspected political thugs.

“In trying to prevent them, one of the thugs brought out a knife and stabbed him.” Eyewitness account

The Spokesman for the Kaduna State Police Command, ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the incident, stating that Shafiu was shot in the leg by the thugs, leading to his death after being rushed to the hospital.

“The victim was shot in the leg by suspected political thugs, and after being rushed to the hospital, he died.”  ASP Mansir Hassan, Spokesman for the Kaduna State Police Command

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In the aftermath, there were protests as youths barricaded the Zaria-Rigachikun highway, causing a gridlock. Normalcy was restored after military intervention.

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