The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the postponement of the rerun presidential and National Assembly elections in seven local government areas in Abia State.
The commission had fixed Monday, Feb. 27 for rerun elections at various polling units in Aba North, Aba South, Arochukwu, Obingwa, Osisioma, Ohafia and Umuahia North Local Government Areas at 8 a.m.
INEC administration secretary in Abia, Clement Oha, had told newsmen in Umuahia that the fresh polls were a result of various degrees of discrepancies.
He further said the reported skirmishes in the affected polling units during Saturday’s election necessitated the fresh polls.
“The commission, in their wisdom, felt that the election’s credibility should not be compromised and that there should be no winner by default. So, elections must occur in the affected polling units tomorrow (Monday).”
Mr Oha said the affected polling units had already been communicated.
However, the Head Voter Education and Publicity, INEC Abia State, Mrs. Rebecca Jimmy in a u-turn said the proposed elections have been put on hold.
In a statement on Sunday she said a new date will be communicated in due time.
She said, “The proposed election in polling units where election could not hold on Saturday, 25th February, 2023 in ABIA STATE scheduled for Monday, 27th February, 2023 has been put on hold. You shall be communicated in due course on a new date. All inconveniences are highly regretted.”
