Yiaga Africa, a popular election observer group, has sounded the alarm over disturbing reports of pre-filled election results emerging from various polling units in the ongoing governorship election in Kogi state.
In a statement released on its verified X platform on Saturday, Yiaga Africa urgently called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate and address the reported cases of election malpractice promptly.
The group expressed concern about the potential impact on the integrity of the election process.
“Dear @inecnigeria, we received reports of pre-filled results sheets discovered in PU 004, Eni Ward of Ogori/magongo in Kogi state before the commencement of voting. Kindly investigate and address this issue promptly to safeguard the integrity of the process,” the statement read.
The election observer group highlighted another case of pre-filled results sheets, this time in PU 020, Eika/Ohizenyi, Okehi LGA of Kogi state.
These alarming revelations surfaced barely an hour into the voting process, which commenced around 8:30 am.
Meanwhile, as the residents head to the voting centres to elect their new governor, the Nigerian Army has initiated a lockdown of key highways in the capital city and other regions notorious for electoral violence in the State.
Roadblocks were mounted on the highway and vehicular movement was restricted with exception of those rendering essential services.