The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended Mr Fred Ogboji, the Electoral Officer for Jos North Local Government Area, over missing ballot papers in Saturday’s rerun election. This decision was communicated in a statement released by Mr Isah Idakwo, the state Head of Department of Electoral Operations, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) on Sunday in Jos.
The statement directs Mr Fred Ogboji to step aside to allow for a proper investigation into the missing House of Representatives ballot papers in 16 polling units in the local government area. He has been 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.
The rerun election had been scheduled due to the initial discovery of missing ballot papers in 16 polling units of Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency. Dr Oliver Agundu, the state INEC REC, announced that the election had been rescheduled for Sunday, Feb. 4, with voting expected to commence at 9:30 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. The missing ballot papers situation has been referred to the security agencies for investigation.
The suspension of Mr Fred Ogboji as the Electoral Officer for Jos North Local Government Area comes as INEC seeks to address the concerning issue of missing ballot papers and ensure the integrity of the rerun election process.
