News

#EndSARS: INEC Postpones Bye-Elections In Six Senatorial Districts, Others

#EndSARS: INEC Postpones Bye-Elections In Six Senatorial Districts, Others

 

 

 

Following the ongoing #EndSARS nationwide protests, the Independent National Electoral (INEC) has announced the indefinite postponement of the bye-elections in the six Senatorial Districts and nine State Constituencies.

The commission however said it would continue to monitor the situation in all the states and constituencies, consult with relevant stakeholders and meet again in two weeks to review the situation and decide on a feasible date for the elections reports The PUNCH.

The pending by-elections are Bayelsa Central Senatorial District; Bayelsa West Senatorial District; Nganzai and Bayo Constituencies in Borno State; Cross River North Senatorial District; Obudu Constituency in Cross River.

Others are Imo North Senatorial District; Lagos East Senatorial District; Kosofe II Constituency in Lagos State; Plateau South Senatorial District; Bakura Constituency in Zamfara; and Ibaji Constituency in Kogi.

The bye-elections in the federal and state legislative houses were due to the resignation or death of members in eight states of the federation.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, announced the postponement in a statement issued on Thursday night immediately after a meeting held with 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners in Abuja.

According to him, the meeting was to review preparations for the 15 bye-elections in 11 States of the Federation scheduled to hold on October 31, 2020.

Okoye said, “On Wednesday, October 21 2020, the commission notified the nation that having taken cognizance of the current security situation in parts of the country, a meeting with the 37 RECs will be held to evaluate the situation in the states and constituencies where bye-elections have been scheduled.

“Accordingly, the commission has decided to postpone the bye-elections in the six Senatorial Districts and nine state constituencies. This decision is in compliance with Section 26 (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), which gives the commission the power to postpone an election if there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace is likely to occur if the election is proceeded with on that date, or that it is impossible to conduct the elections as a result of natural disasters or other emergencies.

“The commission will continue to monitor the situation in all the states and constituencies, consult with relevant stakeholders and meet again in two weeks to review the situation and decide on a feasible date for the elections.

“The commission appeals for calm and understanding of the stakeholders and voters in the states where elections were scheduled. The safety of the voters, election officials and other stakeholders is paramount to the Commission in conducting elections.

“We are convinced that the country will emerge from the current challenges stronger while our electoral process will continue to improve.”

Angela Davies

Recent Posts

Court Dismisses Case Against #EndBadGovernance Protesters

The court has dismissed the case against #EndBadGovernance protesters.   Glamtush reports that a Federal…

3 hours ago

FG Terminates ₦740bn Abuja-Kaduna Road Contract With Julius Berger Over Non-Performance

FG has terminated the ₦740bn Abuja-Kaduna road contract with Julius Berger over non-performance.   Glamtush reports…

4 hours ago

Ekiti Chief Judge, Adeyeye, Dies At 64

Ekiti Chief Judge, Adeyeye, has died at 64.   Glamtush reports that Justice Oyewole Adeyeye,…

4 hours ago

Access Bank Wins Best Digital, Best Website At 2024 Digital Jurist Awards

Access Bank PLC has been named the 2024 Best Digital Award winner in the Commercial…

5 hours ago

Top Summary From Nigerian Newspapers For Tuesday, November 5th, 2024

The top summary from Nigerian newspapers for Tuesday, November 5th, 2024, can be accessed on…

5 hours ago

Ekiti Governor Honours Primate Ayodele’s Late Father, Names Street After Him

The governor of Ekiti state, Biodun Oyebanji has honoured Primate Elijah Ayodele’s late father by…

17 hours ago