During the Kogi presidential and NASS elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) threatened to void the results in crisis-stricken areas.
In response to the crises that broke out in some Local Government Areas, Dr. Hale Longpet, Kogi Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), issued a warning to Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja.
However, there have been reports of thugs interfering with some polling places in Anyigba, Dekina, and Mopa in the Kogi East, Kogi West, and some locations in the Kogi Central, where voting supplies have allegedly been taken by thugs.
“You know, the electoral law states that in the event of a process disruption, the results, including those for the very specific units, will be void.
In essence, the problems were initially limited to Kogi East and Central, but until the results are announced by the electoral officers, knowing precisely where and in which parts of the state they have been affected was not fully known.
“We were aware that the affected areas couldn’t hold elections due to the violence.
“I’m shocked that individuals can act in such a manner and ruin an event that should have been enjoyed by all.
Elections are meant to be peaceful and voluntary activities in which people are invited to freely partake and not to be involved in violence.
A question was further asked, “Why should we have thugs invading the entire town or the local government, disrupting the conduct of the elections if people are assured that everyone will have a pleasant experience?”
Considering the lives lost, it was very sad and shocking and an eyesore to the INEC official present, but nothing could be done than remain calm.
Furthermore, the election is not war, you wouldn’t need to engage in these destructive activities if you were running for office to provide services for your people.
Anyone who feels they do not want to participate in the elections need not go cast a ballot.
Meanwhile, those who want to improve their communities should go to the polls and exercise their right to vote, and they shouldn’t be prevented from doing so or denied the chance.
It was also admitted that the electoral committee participated in a motorcade with the state’s top security officials to observe the elections from Adankolo to Crucial, then on to Kabawa and Falele.
In conclusion, no one was seen as angry in any of these places; instead, everyone was grinning and voting in peace and for a better Nigeria.
Also, the REC expressed satisfaction that Lokoja was remarkably quiet, with not a single voice raised.
Source: The Guidance
