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Tag: electoral update

  • Imo Guber: How INEC Declared APC’s Hope Uzodimma Winner

    Governor Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious in the November 11, 2023, Imo State governorship election, as officially declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The announcement was made by Prof Abayomi Fashina, the state Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, following over eight hours of meticulous collation of local government results, culminating in a confirmation of Uzodimma’s re-election at around 10 am on a Sunday morning.

    Uzodimma’s political journey in Imo State began with a significant twist when, in January 2020, the Supreme Court nullified the election of Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring Uzodimma as the governor.

    However, this turn of events seemingly intensified political tensions, leading to increased opposition against Uzodimma.

    The state faced challenges, including a security phenomenon characterized by “unknown gunmen,” abductions, and persistent Monday sit-at-home protests organized by pro-secessionist groups.

    In the recent election, Uzodimma faced formidable opponents, including Samuel Anyanwu of the PDP, Nneji Achonu of the Labour Party (LP)l;l, and Jack Ogunewe of the Action Alliance (AA), alongside 14 other contenders. Despite the competitive field, the APC candidate secured a resounding victory with 540,308 votes.

    His closest rivals, Anyanwu and Achonu, garnered 71,503 and 64,081 votes, respectively. This electoral outcome solidifies Uzodimma’s position as the re-elected governor and further shapes the political landscape in Imo State.

  • INEC Suspends Voting Activities In 9 Wards Of Ogori/Magongo LGA, Kogi

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended elections in nine wards of Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State. 

    INEC’s National Commissioner & Member Information and Voter Education Committee Mohammed Kudu Haruna confirmed the suspension in a Saturday statement.

    According to him, the move is due to reported cases “of electoral malpractices, particularly the incident of result sheets completed before voting”.

    “This is entirely unacceptable. Any result not emanating from the Commission’s process in the Polling Units will not be accepted,” INEC’s statement read.

    “The Commission is determined not to reward bad behaviour. Consequently, the election in the nine Wards in Ogori/Magongo LGA (Eni, Okibo, Okesi, Ileteju, Aiyeromi, Ugugu, Obinoyin, Obatgben and Oturu) is at this moment suspended.

    “The incidences in the other Local Government Areas are being thoroughly investigated, and the outcome, including the way forward, will be announced in the next 24 hours.”

    The electoral umpire said in the wake of the reported malpractice said it would probe the incidences and fish out those “who may have been complicit in undermining the process”.

    “We have a record of all officials deployed at various levels as supervisors, monitors, technical staff, or polling unit officials and all election materials issued to them. Appropriate sanctions will be applied where necessary,” it assured.

    “The Commission assures voters in Kogi State that their votes are protected, and their wishes will be respected,” the statement concluded.