The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Ahmed Ododo winner of the governorship election held on Saturday.
The Chief Returning Officer, Professor Johnson Ugamadu from the University of Nigeria, Nsuka, while announcing the result said the total number of PVC collected is 16, 245 that was cancelled and does not in any way affect the total results.
He, therefore, declared the governorship candidate of the APC, Ododo of Saturday’s election, having scored a total vote of 446, 237.
His words, “Having satisfied the electoral law with the highest votes cast during the election is hereby declared the winner of the election.”
The candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Alhaji Murtala Yakubu came second scoring 259, 052 voted while Senator Dino Melaye of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) came third by scoring 46,362 votes
Recalled that INEC in a statement signed by National Commissioner & Member, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna on Sunday evening explained that the commission has received an update from the Kogi State office regarding the suspension of election in some locations in the State where result sheets were completed before the commencement of voting.
The statement reads “The most critical incident occurred in nine out of 10 Wards in Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area (LGA). We received reports of similar and other incidents in Adavi (5 Polling Units in Okunchi/Ozuri/Onieka Ward), Ajaokuta (5 Polling Units in Adogo Ward), Okehi (1 Polling Unit in Eika/Ohizenyi Ward) and Okene (5 Polling Units in Obehira Uvete Ward). Results from the affected Polling Units have been accounted for in Form EC40G for the four LGAS.
“However, in the case of Ogori/Magongo LGA, only the result of Oshobane Ward II with eight Polling Units and 2,264 registered voters has been collated. Election in the other nine Wards (Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben and Oturu) involving 59 Polling Units and 15,136 registered voters remain suspended. In line with Section 24(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Clause 59 of INEC Regulations and Guidelines on the Conduct of Elections 2022, the fresh election will be held on Saturday 18th November 2023 in the affected polling units.
“The decision to hold fresh elections is subject to the Returning Officer’s determination of the application of the Margin of Lead Principle. However, this decision is without prejudice to our avowed commitment to follow the audit trail of personnel and materials to ascertain those who may have been complicit in undermining the process and apply appropriate sanctions where necessary.”
INEC, however, concluded by reiterating its assurances to voters in Kogi State that their votes will continue to count and their wishes respected.
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