The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cancelled the supplementary election for the Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State after widespread violence. Dr. Cyril Omorogbe, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, briefed reporters in his Uyo office on Saturday, describing the rerun as “abysmal.” He explained that the election was called off in all 17 polling units where the rerun was scheduled because electoral materials, including the Bi‑Modal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS), were seized.
“We were there early this morning, and around 8:30 a.m. the polling units opened,” Omorogbe said. “A couple of hours later I received a call that the BVAS machines had been hijacked. I then knew we were in for a tough time. Two hours after that, another report confirmed that the election in Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency had to be cancelled.”
According to the commissioner, fighting erupted across the local government areas covering the 17 polling units. Collation officers who were supposed to compile the results reported that the exercise was either hijacked, disrupted, or that voters were chased away. The officers returned with written reports and blank result sheets, indicating that no election took place.
Omorogbe added that the situation in the neighboring Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency appeared more stable, and he expected results from that area to be declared within a few hours.
He also expressed regret over the violence that resulted in a corps member being shot in the leg. “The corps member is still in the hospital. We have provided funds to ensure he receives proper treatment, and I strongly believe he will recover,” Omorogbe said. The injured man has undergone surgery and is currently recuperating.
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