The Independent National Election Commission (INEC) in Imo State may have compromised the electoral process in many local government areas of the State.
Some of the LGAs include Okigwe, Orlu, Oru East, Orsu, et al, where elections did not hold.
Information gathered from the LGAs indicates that electoral materials and INEC officials were not dispatched to the various wards and polling units in the affected local government areas.
The situation has generated panic in the affected LGAs over fear of compromise by the electoral umpire.
However, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu in a press briefing in Abuja Saturday afternoon, revealed that he already has reports on the disruption of electoral processes in the areas, noting that he has discussed with the Inspector General of Police, and the Army Brigade Commander to move in their men to the affected areas to ensure the safety of electoral materials and INEC ad-hoc staff.
He further revealed that the situation will be reviewed and a final pronouncement made by 4:30 Pm today on the position of the electoral body regarding the development.
Although he appealed to the electorate in the affected areas to remain calm, he assured that no one will be denied the opportunity to exercise his or her franchise, a position which has generated doubt among the electorate, especially considering INEC’s antecedents in the State.
