By Williams Anuku, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced the indefinite suspension of the Ekiti East 1 State constituency by-election slated for Saturday, citing widespread violence and shooting that disrupted the exercise and claimed lives of yet to be identified voters
Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee made the disclosure in a statement last night following the report from the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State.
The bye-election to fill the vacancy for the Ekiti East 1 State Constituency holding today, has been disrupted by violent attacks on voters, election officials and security personnel.
Okoye noted that the Commission made adequate arrangements for the election explaining that both Personnel and materials arrived on time in all the 39 Polling Units spread across 5 Wards of the Constituency with 23,670 registered voters.
“However, no sooner had voting commenced than unidentified gunmen unleashed mayhem at some Polling Units, thereby disrupting the process.
“Unfortunately, some innocent voters were shot dead, while a policeman, some INEC regular and ad hoc staff who sustained gunshot injuries during the melee are receiving medical attention.
“This situation is unacceptable. In its avowed commitment to electoral integrity, the Commission has suspended the election indefinitely. To continue with the process will amount to rewarding bad behavour. The security agencies are aware of this unfortunate situation and have commenced investigation.
“The Commission commiserates with the innocent victims of this dastardly act and affront to our democracy” Okoye said.