Nigeria’s electoral body INEC on Saturday cancelled a re-run of disputed elections in six local government areas in the volatile southern oil-rich Rivers state because of irregularities.

The re-run for seats in the Rivers state assembly and the national assembly in Abuja became necessary after court rulings on challenges to the initial results of last year elections.

Rivers electoral commissioner Aneidi Ikoiwak told reporters in Port Harcourt, the state capital, that polls were suspended in Gokana, Khana, Andoni, Bonny, Eleme and Tai due to “irregularities” during Saturday’s voting.

The elections went ahead in the remaining 17 of 23 local government areas going to the polls. The official said some party agents had attacked electoral officials after accusing them of using fake election materials for the vote.“This allegation is untrue. All election materials used by INEC are genuine. A new date will be announced for the election,” he said.