The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will be holding a rerun election on April 15th in five State House of Assembly constituencies and one Federal Constituency in Ebonyi State. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the state, Mrs. Pauline Onyeka, made this announcement in the state capital, Abakaliki, during the certificate of return issuance ceremony to the State Governor-elect, Rt. Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, his running mate, Mr. Patricia Obila, and 17 elected House of Assembly Members-elect.
Mrs. Onyeka stated that out of the 24 seats in the Assembly, only 17 constituency have had their results announced and elections concluded, while five constituencies have inconclusive results and two constituencies have issues that the commission is resolving. She further noted that the election for Ezza North/Ishielu federal constituency was also declared inconclusive.
The presentation of certificates of return to the Governor-elect, his Deputy Governor-elect, and House of Assembly members-elect were presented to them by the INEC National Electoral Commissioner, in charge of Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States, Mr. Kenneth Ukeagu.
Rt. Hon Nwifuru, who is the current Speaker of the State House of Assembly, described the election as free, fair, and credible. He called on his opponents to set aside their differences and work together with him for the peace and development of the State. He promised that his administration will run an all-inclusive government and seek the people’s input before taking critical decisions. He also assured that the rule of law and separation of power will be entrenched and encouraged in his administration.
In conclusion, INEC is determined to conduct a rerun election in the affected constituencies in Ebonyi State to ensure that the will of the people is accurately reflected. The State Governor-elect has promised to lead an administration that prioritizes the interests of the people, and INEC will continue to uphold its mandate of ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.