The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the Electoral Officer for Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Fred Ogboji, over alleged missing ballot papers deployed for the ongoing rerun elections in Plateau North Senatorial district and Jos North/Bassa Federal constituency seats.
The rerun election faced challenges such as voter apathy and a shortage of ballot papers in some polling units. In response, some INEC officials were reportedly held hostage by frustrated voters who were unable to cast their ballots due to the shortage. Consequently, the electoral body postponed the rerun elections in 13 polling units of Tudun Wada/Kabong Ward and three other polling units in Naraguta B Ward, all in Jos North LGA, until Sunday.
In a letter addressed to Ogboji by the INEC Head of Department, Electoral Operations, Isa Abah Idakwo, on behalf of the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, the commission directed Ogboji to step aside from his office to allow for a proper investigation into the circumstances surrounding the missing federal House of Representatives ballot papers in 16 polling units in Jos North LGA.
The letter, dated January 4, 2024, stated, “You are directed to step aside from office to enable the Commission to carry out proper investigation and circumstances that lead to the missing of federal House of Representatives ballot papers in 16 polling units in your Local Government. You are further directed to handover to Barrister Elekwa Onyemauche, the Local Government Supervisor, and the two RA Supervisors of Tudun Wada/Kabong and Naraguta B (E O Shendam and E O Kanke Local Government Areas respectively) to coordinate and complete the remaining process. Thank you.”
