INEC suspends official over missing ballot papers in Plateau re-run election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the Electoral Officer for Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Fred Ogboji, over missing ballot papers in Saturday’s rerun election.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Plateau State Head of Department of Electoral Operations, Isah Idakwo, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) on Sunday, February 4, 2024.

Idakwo directed the electoral officer to step aside to give room for a proper investigation.

He stated: “You are directed to step aside from office to enable the commission to carry out a proper investigation into the circumstances that led to the missing House of Representatives ballot papers in 16 polling units in your local government area.

INEC suspends re-run elections in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Kano

“You are further directed to hand over to Mr Elekwa Onyemauche, the local government supervisor, and the two registration area supervisors of Tudun Wada Kabong and Naraguta B to coordinate and complete the remaining process.”

INEC had, on Saturday, rescheduled election in 16 polling units of Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency following the discovery of some missing ballot papers.

The Plateau State INEC REC, Dr Oliver Agundu, in a statement, said the election had been rescheduled for Sunday, February 4.

Agundu noted that INEC discovered at the eve of the rerun that the ballot papers for 16 polling units in Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency were missing.

He said the matter had been referred to security agencies for an investigation.

The Star