The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed its dissatisfaction over reported cases of thugs hijacking election materials in some locations in Akwa-Ibom, Enugu and Kano states. 

The commission said this in a tweet via its X (Twitter) handle on Saturday, February 3.

“Generally, polls opened promptly and accreditation going on smoothly in the 8,934 PUs in 26 states involved in today’s by-elections and re-run elections,” the commission said.

“However, we are monitoring reported disruption of processes by acts of thuggery and hijacking of materials in some locations in Akwa Ibom, Enugu and Kano states.

“In Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, we are investigating reported incidents in Village Hall, EdemUrua 003 in Ini LGA and Village Hall Mbiabong Ikot Udo 003 in Ikono LGA.

In Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Enugu State, we are investigating reports of disruption in 8 Polling Units in Uwani West Ward.

“In Kunchi/Tsanyawa State Constituencies of Kano State, processes have been disrupted in Kunchi Local Government Area involving 10 PUs.”

It promised to provide regular updates on the situation of the elections.

Over 4.6 million Nigerians who have collected their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) are expected to participate in the ongoing by-elections to replace members who died or resigned their memberships of the national and state assemblies or as a result of courts’ order.

The elections involved 26 states of the federation, including in nine states, where two senators, four members of the House of Representatives and three members of State Houses of Assembly will be elected to replace members of the national and state assemblies.