The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the collation of gubernatorial election results in Abia and Enugu states.

The commission announced its decision in a press release signed by Festus Okoye, its information and voter education chairman, on Monday.

According to the statement, INEC withheld further compilation of results in the Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, and the Nsukka and Nkanu East LGAs of Enugu State because of the attack on its facilities and workers in the said areas.

The letter read in part:

“It will be recalled that our office in Obingwa Local Government Area was invaded by thugs yesterday Sunday 19th March 2023 and our officials held hostage in relation to the collation of results from the Local Government Area of Nsukka and Nkanu East.

“Consequently, the Commission hereby suspends the collation of results in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State and the two outstanding local government areas of Enugu State which are yet to be collated.”

The commission stated that it would conduct an immediate review before concluding the process, and urged voters, parties and candidates to be patient.