The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to identify and prosecute those responsible for the sudden disappearance of ballot papers intended for specific areas during the rerun election in Plateau State. IPAC emphasized that failure to take such action would allow electoral fraud perpetrators to undermine the will of the people and tarnish the image of Nigeria's democratic process.

During a stakeholder meeting with INEC officials at the INEC headquarters in Jos, party leaders in Plateau State, led by the state chairman of IPAC, Abubakar Dogara, made this demand. The meeting, convened at the behest of INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna and INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Plateau State, Dr. Oliver Agundu, addressed the challenges faced during the rerun election.

The rerun election, which covered Plateau North Senatorial district and Bassa/Jos North federal constituency, experienced voter apathy and a shortage of ballot papers. Some INEC officials were reportedly held hostage by frustrated voters due to the insufficient ballot papers. Consequently, INEC postponed the rerun elections in 13 polling units of Tudun Wada/Kabong Ward and three other polling units in Naraguta B Ward, all in Jos North LGA, to the following day.

At the meeting, IPAC's state chairman stressed the need for those responsible for the missing ballot papers to face prosecution. Another party leader, David Dabit of the Labour Party, expressed concern over recurring issues during elections in Jos North LGA and urged swift action to address these challenges.

Dr. Oliver Agundu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, assured the party leaders that the commission was committed to addressing the issues and ensuring that every eligible voter could participate in the electoral process. He acknowledged the unexpected disappearance and shortage of ballot papers and pledged to rectify the situation.

Meanwhile, the collation of results from the rerun election continued, and the rescheduled rerun elections in the affected 16 polling units of Jos North, with over 400,000 voter population, were also underway.

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