The Independent Electoral Commission has suspended the bye-election for the Port Harcourt Constituency lll State Assembly seat held on August 18 in the State.
Obo Effanga, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Rivers State, who announced the suspension in a statement on Saturday night, cited widespread violence as reasons for the suspension.
The bye-election was conducted by INEC to fill the vacancy left by former state Assemblyman, Mr Victor Ihunwo, now Chairman, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area.
Effanga stated that because the exercise was marred by widespread violence, it was suspended in accordance with Section 26 of the Electoral Act 2010. “INEC has decided to suspend the election forthwith,’’ he said but did not give a new date for the bye-election.
According to reports, suspected hoodlums accused of working for one of the major political parties attacked election officials in an attempt to hijack election materials. Gbekwele Chidi, a voter, and witness, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday.
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