Breaking: INEC Suspends Ekiti Bye-Election As Gunmen Kill Three

The Independent National Electoral Commission has suspended Saturday’s Ekiti State East 1 Constituency Bye-Election after gunmen killed no fewer than three voters.

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National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC, Festus Okoye announced the development in a statement on Saturday.

The statement partly read, “The commission made adequate arrangements for the election. Personnel and materials arrived on time in all the 39 Polling Units spread across five wards of the constituency for the 23,670 registered voters to exercise their franchise in a free and fair process.

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“However, no sooner had the 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.

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“The 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 behaviour. 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.”

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