By Milcah Tanimu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has provided an explanation for the postponement of the rerun election for the Enugu South 1 State Constituency.
Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Enugu, cited security concerns as the primary reason for the postponement. The election, initially scheduled for June 8, was cancelled last week due to these considerations.
, Dr. Chukwu expressed surprise at the spread of false rumors, stating, “I am surprised some misguided people are spreading unfounded falsehoods and rumors against the commission, suggesting that the election had been held in secret even as I am speaking to you.”
The election was previously nullified by the tribunal due to being inconclusive, despite the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Mr. Bright Ngene, being declared the winner and sworn in. This postponement marks the third attempt by INEC to conduct the election.
On the initially scheduled date, voters had gathered at the affected polling units early in the morning, but INEC officials were absent. The LP candidate, Mr. Ngene, expressed his frustration, noting that he and his party had not been informed about the postponement. In contrast, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr. Sam Ngene, confirmed that his party had received notification of the delay.
INEC has not yet announced a new date for the rerun election.