INEC official abducted, boat capsizes ahead of Bayelsa's governorship election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reported a series of challenges affecting its operations in the Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, casting a shadow over the upcoming elections in the region.

According to Wilfred Ifogah, the head of INEC voters’ registration in the state, one of its officials was abducted in Sagbama. The incident occurred while the official was waiting to board a boat at the jetty, underscoring the security risks faced by electoral personnel.

In a statement posted on the verified X account on Friday night, Ifogah provided further details, revealing that a boat, transporting election personnel and materials to southern Ijaw Local Government Area, capsized. Although all 12 election personnel and the boat operator were rescued, the incident resulted in the loss of crucial items, including result sheets, power banks, and personal belongings of the staff.

The statement highlighted the magnitude of the setback, stating, “We wish to confirm that a boat carrying election personnel to registration area 17 (Koluama) in southern Ijaw LGA capsized. Fortunately, no life was lost as all the election personnel numbering 12 and the boat operator were rescued. We, however, lost our result sheets, power banks, and luggage containing personal effects of staff.”

The affected registration areas have a total of 5,368 registered voters, with 5,311 PVCs collected. Despite these challenges, INEC is actively working to ensure the conduct of the election in the impacted area.

Additionally, the statement addressed the abduction of an INEC Supervisory Presiding Officer (SPO) assigned to registration area 06 (Ossioma) in Sagbama LGA. The abduction occurred while the official was waiting to board at Amassoma jetty. The security agencies have been notified, and efforts are underway to address the situation.

These incidents underscore the complexities and security risks that can impede the smooth conduct of elections in certain regions. As the electoral body navigates these challenges, ensuring the safety of personnel and the integrity of the electoral process remains a top priority.