The governorship elections held in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states on [date] were marked by widespread violence, voter apathy, and allegations of vote-buying.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) adjourned the collation of results in Bayelsa, while elections were suspended in nine wards of Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area (LGA) in Kogi. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in Kogi, Senator Dino Melaye, called for the cancellation of polls in five LGAs.
Despite the violence, preliminary results showed Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State (APC), and Senator Duoye Diri of Bayelsa (PDP) leading in their respective states. In Kogi, the APC’s Usman Ododo was reported as leading in early results.
Elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark urged INEC to investigate irregularities, while former President Goodluck Jonathan called for an end to off-season elections. Observers reported late starts in many polling units, particularly in Bayelsa and Imo, and expressed concerns over voter intimidation and logistics challenges.
Reports from Bayelsa indicated late arrival of INEC staff and security personnel, and cases of violence, including one person shot in Famgbe community. In Imo, allegations of vote-buying and violence surfaced, with some voters reportedly selling their votes for as low as N2,000. PDP candidate Senator Samuel Anyanwu raised concerns about irregularities and called for the cancellation of results in affected areas.
In Kogi, reports highlighted cases of vote-buying, coercion of voters, and late arrivals of INEC officials. The PDP candidate, Senator Dino Melaye, sought the cancellation of elections in five LGAs, citing coordination issues at the highest level of INEC.
Despite the challenges, Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri commended the seamless and fast conduct of the election but expressed concerns about disenfranchisement in Nembe-Bassambiri. On the other hand, APC candidate Timipre Sylva accused the PDP and security agents, especially the Army, of harassing his supporters.
The situation in Imo State witnessed heightened tension, with reports of vote-buying and violence. The Labour Party candidate, Athan Achonu, called for the cancellation of votes in units marred by violence. PDP candidate Senator Samuel Anyanwu raised alarms over malpractices, urging INEC to focus on the situation in Ikeduru LGA.
In Kogi, INEC suspended elections in nine wards of Ogori/Magongo LGA, citing incidents of electoral malpractices, including pre-filled result sheets in areas where voting had not commenced. Reports of vote-buying and irregularities were particularly concerning in Ogori/Magongo, leading to the suspension of elections in the affected wards. The electoral violence was reported in Dekini LGA, where a thug was allegedly shot and killed by soldiers attempting to snatch a ballot box.
As investigations continue, the credibility of the elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi remains a focal point, with calls for thorough investigations, transparency, and corrective actions by electoral authorities.