In accordance with instructions from Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the National Chairman of the Commission, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has moved all papers related to the Kogi State governorship election to Abuja.
Security concerns led to the decision to relocate certain materials.
The election materials, including the results and BVAS, were transported to the nation’s capital using several vehicles under tight protection.
Speaking to Daily Trust under anonymity, an INEC official stated that the directive originated from higher up and was intended to facilitate the Kogi State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal’s seamless functioning.
The insider claimed, “There have been constant attacks on INEC officials, offices, and tribunal members by thugs funded by unidentified politicians, so the materials used in the prosecution of the November 11 governorship election are no longer safe here (in Kogi).” As a result, the commission mandated that the materials be taken to a secure location.
Due to security concerns in Lokoja, the tribunal shifted its meeting to the National Judicial Council facility in Jabi, Abuja.
Both the Kogi State Police Command and INEC stated in separate announcements lately that there was an attack on the INEC office in Lokoja and that there was a threat to the security of the electoral materials used in the poll.
On December 1, 2023, gunmen assaulted the apartment of Hale Longpet, the state’s resident electoral commissioner (REC), while suspected thugs stormed the INEC office in Lokoja.
The ensuing gunfight lasted more than thirty minutes, during which time property was destroyed but no lives were lost, according to the commission.
Also, the Secretary of the Kogi State Election Petitions Tribunal, David Mike, was recently ambushed and almost beaten to a pulp on his way to court while petition documents were seized by the thugs.