By
The Independent National Electoral Commission has stated that it would engage critical stakeholders in the electoral process to resolve the issue of suspended bye-elections in 11 states, which were initially scheduled for October 31, 2020.
The Commission met on October 22, 2020 with Resident Electoral Commissioners and suspended plans for the bye-elections in six Senatorial Districts and nine State Constituencies, following the nationwide #EndSARS protests, and decided to meet in two weeks.
According to a statement from INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Barr. Festus Okoye, the commission met on Thursday to further review the situation, while stating that some of its properties were vandalized.
“The Commission suffered extensive damage to and vandalization of its local government offices and facilities, including the areas where the bye-elections are scheduled to hold,” Okoye said.
He further stated: “Consequently, the commission will consult with political parties and civil society organisations on Tuesday November 10 2020 and then with the media and Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security on Wednesday, November 11 2020.
“The commission will thereafter meet again with the Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday November 12 2020 to decide on a date for the conduct of the bye-elections.
“We appeal to all stakeholders to continue to cooperate with the commission in its efforts to conduct credible elections under a safe and conducive environment.”
Ganiu Oloruntade
