The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken swift action by suspending Fred Ogboji, the electoral officer for Jos North Local Government Area, following the mysterious disappearance of ballot papers during Saturday’s rerun election.
In a letter addressed to Ogboji on Sunday, Isah Idakwo, the head of electoral operations, stated that the suspension is necessary to facilitate a thorough investigation into the case of the missing ballot papers. Idakwo directed Ogboji to hand over his responsibilities to Elekwa Onyemauche, the local government supervisor.
The letter read, “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 Federal House of Representatives ballot papers in 16 polling units in your Local Government.”
Furthermore, Idakwo instructed Ogboji to transfer his duties to Barr. Elekwa Onyemauche, the appointed Local Government Supervisor, along with the two RA Supervisors of Tudun Wada Kapong and Naraguta B (E.O Shendam and E.O Kanke Local Government Areas, respectively), to coordinate and complete the remaining electoral process.
The rescheduling of elections in 16 polling units in the Jos North/Bassa federal constituency of Plateau, due to the missing ballot papers, was announced by INEC. The new date for the election has been set for February 4, 2024.
Oliver Agundu, the resident electoral commissioner (REC), disclosed that the missing ballot papers were discovered on the eve of the rerun election. The case has been reported to security agencies for a comprehensive investigation.
“Determined that voters in the affected polling units were not disenfranchised, the commission convened a stakeholders’ meeting to explain the situation and discuss the way forward,” stated Agundu. “It was resolved that the commission should remobilize and conduct the election in the affected polling units on Sunday, February 4, 2024, to conclude the process in the federal constituency.”