INEC declares Ebonyi assembly elections inconclusive

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday declared elections in five out of the 24 state constituencies in Ebonyi State inconclusive. The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr. Lawrence Azubuike, said in Abakaliki that the decision followed cancellations and non-conduct of elections in some areas in the affected constituencies.

The affected constituencies include Abakaliki South, Ezza North East and Ezza North West as well as Ohaukwu North and Ohaukwu South. Azubuike explained that the number of registered voters in areas affected by cancellation of results in the five constituencies exceeded the difference between the two leading candidates in the contest. He said, 'The number of registered voters in the affected areas exceeds the difference between the two leading candidates in the election, and therefore none could be returned.'

The REC emphasised that the measure was part of efforts by the commission to ensure that the votes count and give opportunity to the people to have a voice in choosing their leaders. He noted that no date had been fixed for the election. 'The election will be re-conducted not in the whole constituency but in the affected polling units and the number will be added to announce the winner,' he added. On the result of the 19 constituencies so far released, Azubuike explained that the Peoples Democratic Party won in 17 constituencies; the Peoples Progressives Alliance clinched victory in Afikpo North East, while the Labour Party triumphed in Izzi East constituency.