Taiwo Amodu – Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it would hold the Governorship and State Assembly elections which were suspended in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue state on Tuesday.
National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, disclosed this in a statement.
According to the statement, the process was initially suspended following the mix-up of some of the sensitive materials for the two State Assembly constituencies in Kwande East and Kwande West.
Okoye pleaded with voters to turn out for the rescheduled election en masse.
The statement equally pleaded with parties and candidates to conduct themselves peacefully.
It read in part:” The public may recall that the Governorship and State Assembly elections in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State scheduled for Saturday 18th March 2023 had to be suspended. This decision followed an inadvertent mix-up of some of the sensitive materials for the two State Assembly constituencies in the area i.e. Kwande East and Kwande West.
“For this reason, voters and stakeholders agreed that the elections should be rescheduled. Consequently, the Commission issued a statement that a new date will be announced for the elections.
“After further consultation with stakeholders, our Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State, Professor Sam Egwu, has advised that the State office is ready to proceed with the rescheduled elections.
“Accordingly, the Commission approved that the elections shall hold tomorrow Tuesday 21st March 2023.
“The Commission appeals to voters in Kwande Local Government Area to troop out en masse and vote for the candidate of their choice. Similarly, we call on parties and candidates to conduct themselves peacefully.”
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