By Morenikeji Amole
Massive turnout of voters has been observed in the re-run and bye-elections in various parts of Kaduna State.
Our reporter who visited some polling units disclosed that voters were already present at their respective polling units as early as 7:00 on Saturday, February 3, 2024.
Some of the areas visited in Kaduna South and Chikun Local Government Areas had the presence of the armed security operatives.
The accreditation process at the polling units went smoothly, with Bivas’ machines operating seamlessly.
The local government areas where the re-run and by-elections were held include; Igabi, Kaduna South, Chikun, Kachia, Kudan, Kauru, and Kagarko.
Meanwhile, the Independent and National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the suspension of the rerun elections in some constituencies in Akwa Ibom, Kano, and Enugu States.
In a statement on Saturday, Sam Olumekun, the national commissioner and chairman, of the Information and Voter Education Committee, said the suspension was due to disruptions, irregularities, and abduction of election officials.
According to the statement, the affected areas include Ikono/Ini federal Constituency in Akwa-Ibom state, with the suspension of elections in two polling units (Village Hall, Edem Uru 003 in Ini LGA and Village Hall Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA) due to the carting away of election materials by hoodlums.
In Enugu State, the electoral umpire suspended all the eight polling units in South 1 State Constituency “where the original results sheets were not available for inspection by voters before the commencement of polls.”
INEC also suspended elections in all ten polling units in Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano State “due to invasion, vandalization, and disruption by thugs.”
