The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says its “senior officials” are currently investigating the incident(s) of pre-filled election result sheets in Ogori/Magongo, Eika/Ohizenyi and some other areas of Kogi State.
Civil society organisation, YIAGA Africa, on Saturday morning, in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), raised the alarm that results sheets were filled in Kogi before the commencement of voting on Saturday.
Dear @inecnigeria we received report of pre-filled results sheet discovered in PU 004, Eni Ward of Ogori/magongo in Kogi state before commencement of voting. Kindly investigate and address this issue promptly to safeguard the integrity of the process. #KogiDecides2023 pic.twitter.com/OXg7fx2QpR
— Yiaga Africa (@YIAGA) November 11, 2023
YIAGA Africa also urged INEC to probe the matter and “promptly safeguard the integrity of the process”.
Similarly, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dino Melaye, raised the alarm about the incident in Ogori/Magongo, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of trying to compromise the election.
APC is trying to compromise the election in Ogori/Msngogo Local Government of Kogi State. Kogites resist evil. pic.twitter.com/4RkIaxrLUG
— Senator Dino Melaye. (SDM) (@_dinomelaye) November 11, 2023
In a swift reaction, INEC said its officials are looking into the matter and a decision will be communicated “earnestly”.
“Our attention has been drawn to a report that filled result sheets were discovered in some polling units in Kogi State.
“The Commission views this situation seriously.
“Our senior officials deployed to the State are currently investigating the incident(s). The Commission will communicate its decision earnestly,” the commission said.