The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended Mr. Fred Ogboji, the Electoral Officer for Jos North Local Government Area, following the disappearance of ballot papers during Saturday’s rerun election in Plateau State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Mr. Isah Idakwo, the state Head of the Department of Electoral Operations, announced the suspension on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC). Ogboji has been directed to step aside to allow for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the missing ballot papers for the House of Representatives election in 16 polling units within his jurisdiction.
“You are directed to step aside from office to enable the commission to carry out a proper investigation into the circumstances that led to the missing House of Representatives ballot papers in 16 polling units in your local government area.
“You are further directed to hand over to Mr Elekwa Onyemauche, the local government supervisor, and the two registration area supervisors of Tudun Wada Kabong and Naraguta B to coordinate and complete the remaining process,” he said.
The development comes after INEC was forced to reschedule elections in 16 polling units within the Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency on Saturday due to the missing ballot papers.
Dr. Oliver Agundu, the state INEC REC, announced the postponement in a separate statement, where he said that the rescheduled election would take place on Sunday, February 4th, with voting commencing at 9:30 am and closing at 3:30 pm.
