The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the bye-election to fill the vacant seat of Ekiti East Constituency 1 in the State House of Assembly

The election was suspended following the outbreak of violence in various polling units in the LGA.

It was reported that a policewoman and two others were killed by suspected political thugs during the violence.

Tella Adeniran, INEC resident electoral commissioner for Ekiti, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

He stated that “The situation is such that, a conducive environment no longer exists for further electoral activity at the PUs and the Collation centers.

“In view of this development, the Commission has suspended the election forthwith.”

Adeniran added that “the safety of electoral officials, security personnel and election materials, as well as the credibility of the process, cannot be guaranteed”, adding that the state commissioner of police is “fully aware of the situation”.

He further disclosed that “It is unfortunate that in spite of the effort of the commission in giving Nigerians free, fair, credible and inclusive election, some people appear to be unprepared for an improved electoral process”.

The Ekiti East constituency I seat became vacant following the death of Juwa Adegbuyi, the former representative.

The police command in the state had on Friday announced a restriction of movement ahead of the election.