Ilaje polls inconclusive, Ondo REC tells tribunal

THE Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Ondo State, Mr. Segun Agbaje yesterday admitted that the Ilaje Constituency 11 in the House of Assembly election in the state was inconclusive.

Agbaje added that the results were declared following security report that it should be declared for the safety of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, officers.

The REC was giving evidence at the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Akure on the April 11 House of Assembly election in Ilaje Constituency 11

He said reports from his officers on the election day indicated that the election was marred with irregularities and violence.

He said the electoral officer in Ilaje, Mr. Ajala called to inform him about the tensed atmosphere in the area.

According to him the electoral officers were advised to declare the result after seeking security advise from the then commissioner of Police, Mr. Isaac Eke who confirmed the tensed atmosphere.

“On the fateful day, at about a quarter to four, Mr. Ajala, the electoral officer called me, he briefed me about the tensed atmosphere in the area. He said his life and that of the returning officer are in danger. I told him, I will call him back.

“At about ten minutes to four, I phoned the then Commissioner of Police, Mr. Isaac Eke. He said he was going to call me back. At exactly ten minutes after four, he called back and told me that he has gotten in touch with his officers on phone, he confirmed that the area was tensed.”]]>