Mayowa Olumuyiwa
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has announced Monday, June 22 and Monday, July 20 for its governorship primary elections in Edo and Ondo states.
APC made this announcement as Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reiterated it commitment to conduct the governorship elections in both states on September 19 and October 10 respectively.
This was contained in a statement released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) spokesman, Festus Okoye on Tuesday evening.
This came after the commission had met earlier in the day and deliberated on a wide range of issues including the conduct of the Edo and Ondo Governorship elections, as well as the nine outstanding bye-elections in different parts of the country.
He assured that the commission would stick to its timetable and schedule of activities regarding the elections in both states.
In his words, “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.
“Based on this, the Commission will on Thursday 21st May, 2020, 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.”
The Commission reiterated its commitment to conduct the Edo and Ondo Governorship elections on 19th September and 10th October, 2020, as contained in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities released on 6th February 2020.
“We reassure Nigerians of our resolve and determination to provide the requisite guidance, innovation and leadership in conducting elections in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Commission is committed to fulfilling its constitutional responsibility of conducting elections but without jeopardizing the health and wellbeing of citizens, stakeholders or its valued staff.”
According to Okoye, 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.
He further said, “We again, urge everyone to remain safe and healthy by complying with all the guidelines and protocols issued by the health authorities”.
