We’re committed To Conducting Governorship Polls Into Edo and Ondo State This Year – INEC
BY GRACE ANYANWU, ABUJA – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that it is committed to fulfilling its constitutional responsibility of conducting Governorship elections into Edo and Ondo State on September 19 and October 10, 2020 respectively but without jeopardizing the health and wellbeing of citizens, stakeholders or its valued staff.
The electoral commission also reassured Nigerians of its resolve and determination to provide the requisite guidance, innovation and leadership in conducting elections in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It also reiterated its commitment to conduct of the Edo and Ondo Governorship elections as contained in its Timetable and Schedule of Activities released on February 6, 2020.
These were contained in a statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, Mr Festus Okoye after the meeting of the Commission on Tuesday which deliberated on a wide range of issues including the conduct of the Edo and Ondo Governorship elections, as well as the 9 outstanding bye elections in different parts of the country.
Okoye said that the Commission deliberated extensively on a Policy Framework that will guide its operations, activities and engagements with critical stakeholders in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the electoral process in Nigeria.
The Commissioner said that based on this, INEC would issue a Policy Framework for engagement with stakeholders, the conduct of the two end of tenure governorship elections, outstanding bye elections and future electoral activities on Thursday 21st May 2020.
Okoye also said that the Commission will accelerate consultations and engagements with political parties, civil society organizations, security agencies and health authorities as soon as its Policy Framework is finalized this week.
