David Lawani, Abuja
Following heighten sense of fear and violence which has characterise the collation of election results in some parts of Abia and Enugu state, the Commission said it it is suspending the exercise pending when normalcy return to enable it conclude the process.

Making this announcement,Barr. Festus Okoye National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee in a statement said this became necessary due to the need to allow the people’s will to freely vote and gives their mandate to the candidates of their choice.

He said further that the need to review the results are in line with the rules and guidelines for the conduct of the poll as stipulated in the 2023 manual.

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According to him: ” The Commission met today, Monday 20th March 2023 and reviewed the conduct of the Governorship and State Assembly elections held nationwide on Saturday 18th March 2023. Arising from the meeting, the Commission took the decision to suspend forthwith further collation of the Governorship election results in some parts of Abia and Enugu States.

” It will be recalled that our office in Obingwa Local Government Area was invaded by thugs yesterday Sunday 19th March 2023 and our officials held hostage in relation to the collation of results from the Local Government Area. Similarly, reports from Enugu State call for a review of the results for the Governorship election from the two outstanding Local Government Areas of Nsukka and Nkanu East.

” Consequently, the Commission hereby suspends the collation of results in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State and the two outstanding Local Government Areas of Enugu State which are yet to be collated. A review will be undertaken immediately before the process is concluded.

” We appeal for the understanding and patience of voters, parties and candidates in the affected States”, he said.