YIAGA Africa, Melaye Raise Alarm Over Pre-Filled Results In Kogi, INEC Reacts

With voting just underway in the November 11, 2023 governorship poll in Kogi State, Civil Society Organisation, YIAGA Africa, has raised the alarm about reports of pre-filled results sheets in Ogori/Magongo, Eika/Ohizenyi and some other areas of the North Central state.

The organization raised the alarm in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), YIAGA Africa while urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to probe the matter and “promptly safeguard the integrity of the process”.

According to the report, the results sheets were filled before the commencement of voting on Saturday.

“Dear @inecnigeria we received a report of a pre-filled results sheet discovered in PU 004, Eni Ward of Ogori/Magongo in Kogi state before the commencement of voting. Kindly investigate and address this issue promptly to safeguard the integrity of the process. #KogiDecides2023”

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Similarly, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dino Melaye, raised the alarm about the incident in Ogori/Magongo, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of trying to compromise the election.

“APC is trying to compromise the election in Ogori/Mangogo Local Government of Kogi State. Kogites resist evil” he tweeted.

In a swift reaction, INEC, also in a post on X, said the matter is being probed.

“Our attention has been drawn to a report that filled result sheets were discovered in some polling units in Kogi State,” the commission said.

“The Commission views this situation seriously.

“Our senior officials deployed to the State are currently investigating the incident(s). The Commission will communicate its decision earnestly.”