As the result of the gubernatorial election in Imo State hangs in the balance, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has emerged from today’s emergency meeting with a decision to hold a supplementary election in selected areas of the state next Friday. Only yesterday, the Commission categorized the election as “inconclusive.”
As the result of the gubernatorial election in Imo State hangs in the balance, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has emerged from today’s emergency meeting with a decision to hold a supplementary election in selected areas of the state next Friday. Only yesterday, the Commission categorized the election as “inconclusive.”
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SaharaReporters had previously reported the defeat of the unpopular Ikedi Ohakim of the People’s Democratic Party by APGA’s Rochas Okorocha despite help from some INEC officials to boost Ohakim’s ballots in the Okigwe area.
Hours ago, SaharaReporters reported on this evening’s crucial meeting. An INEC source had informed us of a possible supplementary election to be held in four Local Government Areas: Ngor-Okpalla, Mbaitoli, Oguta and Egbema. Following its meeting, INEC confirmed our report, adding only Orji Ward in Owerri North Local Government Area.
Announcing the supplementary vote, Abdullahi A. Kaugama, the Secretary of INEC, said the Commission was urging all stakeholders “to ensure the highest level of integrity and good conduct.”
The challenge for such conduct may lie solely at the doorstep of INEC, which is under pressure from the presidency to help Ohakim to retain the governorship. We had previously reported that Jonathan and Ohakim wanted the elections to be repeated in some local governments in order to provide time and strategies to ensure Ohakim’s victory.
The decision to hold the supplementary election one week from today clearly favours Ohakim in that direction, but also provides another stern test of mettle for INEC.
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