The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the bye-election for the Port Harcourt Constituency III State Assembly seat held today 18 in the State.
Mr Obo Effanga, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Rivers, who announced the suspension in a terse statement on Saturday night, cited widespread violence as reasons for the suspension.
The bye-election was conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill the vacancy left by former state Assemblyman, Mr Victor Ihunwo, now Chairman, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area.
Effanga stated that because the exercise was marred by widespread violence, it was suspended in accordance with Section 26 of the Electoral Act 2010.
“INEC has decided to suspend the election forthwith,’’ he said
He did not give a new date for the by-election.
NAN reported earlier that suspected hoodlums accused of working for one of the major political parties attacked election officials in an attempt to hijack election materials.
Mr Gbekwele Chidi, a voter and witness, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.
