Yanju Uwala
– Says there is no plan by the commission to adjust the elections timetable
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that the Edo and Ondo States governorship elections has not been postponed, as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Adding that, there is no plan by the commission to adjust the timetable and schedule of activities for the elections scheduled for 19th September and 10th October, 2020 respectively.
Recall that the Commission had on 6th February, 2020 released the timetable and schedule of elections for the two states.
Making this known via a statement signed by the Commission’s Information Commissioner, Festus Okoye (Esq), said that the Commission is mindful of the negative impact of the pandemic and also monitoring efforts of the Federal and State Government towards containing the spread and elimination of the virus.
He added, that if there is any means for the date to be changed, it would be communicated to the public in the usual manner.
The statement read in parts; “The Commission wishes to inform the general public that no decision has been taken to postpone the Edo and Ondo governorship elections or adjust the Timetable and Schedules of activities for the said election scheduled for 19th September and 10th October, 2020 respectively.
“It will be recalled that the Commission on 6th February, 2020 released the Timetable and Schedule of activities for the two elections.
“Since then, the timetable has not been adjusted, while we are mindful of the negative impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, we are also monitoring the various efforts by the Federal and State Governments, health authorities and other stakeholders to contain the spread of and eliminate COVID-19.
“If and when the need arises to adjust the timetable for the elections, same will be conveyed to the public in the usual manner.
“In the meantime, we will continue to study the situation carefully and cooperate with other stakeholders in the battle against COVID-19”
