There are indications that the Independent National Electoral Commission is confused as to how to proceed in Kogi sequel to the death of Abubakar Audu.
Opinions amongst legal practitioners have been diverse. While some say Audu’s running mate should step in, others argue that either a fresh poll is organized or the party picks Yahaya Bello who came second at the APC primary.
The election was declared inconclusive following cancellation of elections in 91 polling units.
According to results so far declared by the Returning Officer, Emmanuel Kucha, Mr. Audu of the All Progressives Congress scored 240,867, while Idris Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party polled 199,514 votes.
A top official of the electoral agency told Premium Times on Monday that his commission was in a ‘deep state state of confusion’.
“I can tell you that everyone is confused,” the official said, asking not to be named because he had no authority to make that disclosure to the media.
“We don’t know how to proceed at this point. We have been consulting extensively, but we have been unable to reach any conclusion.”
“Several meetings have been held here but no conclusion has been reached.”
When contacted, the commission’s Director of Voters’ Education and Publicity, Ozaze Uzzi, confirmed that the commission was yet to reach any position regarding the election.
He said consultations were still ongoing and the commission would hold some meetings to reach a decision.
“We should be able to say something between 24 and 48 hours,” Mr. Uzzi said.