The  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday  suspended further collation of the 2023 governorship election  in Abia and Enugu States.


INEC in a statement issued Mr. Festus Okoye, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee added  that the commission also suspended the collation of governorship election results in Enugu State as well.


 INEC said that the suspension of result collation from Obingwa LG was with immediate effect.


Okoye who cited violence at the commission’s facility in Obingwa LGA, added that the collation of results in Enugu State


The Commission met today, Monday 20th March 2023 and reviewed the conduct of the Governorship and State Assembly elections held nationwide on Saturday 18th March 2023.


“Arising from the meeting, the Commission took the decision to suspend forthwith further collation of the Governorship election results in some parts of Abia and Enugu States.


“It will be recalled that our office in Obingwa Local Government Area was invaded by thugs yesterday Sunday 19th March 2023 and our officials held hostage in relation to the collation of results from the Local Government Area.


“Similarly, reports from Enugu State call for a review of the results for the Governorship election from the two outstanding Local Government Areas of Nsukka and Nkanu East.


“Consequently, the Commission hereby suspends the collation of results in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State and the two outstanding Local Government Areas of Enugu State which are yet to be collated.


“A review will be undertaken immediately before the process is concluded.


“We appeal for the understanding and patience of voters, parties and candidates in the affected States.”