In the wake of ongoing #EndSARS protests across the country, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC said it would meet on Thursday to decide on the conduct of 15 legislative bye-elections in 11 states, earlier slated for October 31.
National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee of the Commission, Barr. Festus Okoye disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said according to Vanguard the meeting with the 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners RECs is to evaluate the situation in the States and constituencies where the bye-elections are scheduled to take place.
The statement reads; “The public would recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission scheduled the conduct of bye-elections in 15 constituencies in 11 States for 31st October 2020. These consist of six Senatorial and nine State House of Assembly seats. The vacancies were as a result of death and resignation of previous members. The Commission has been engaged in meticulous preparations for the bye-elections for several weeks in its determination to continue to deliver free, fair, credible and safe elections for Nigerians.
“However, the Commission is not oblivious of the current mood of the nation, the security situation, natural disasters and other emergencies reported in parts of the country. Indeed, the Commission has been monitoring these situations regarding their possible impact on the smooth conduct of the bye-elections.
“Consequently, the Commission will tomorrow, Thursday 22nd October 2020 hold a meeting with the 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to evaluate the situation in the States and constituencies where bye-elections have been scheduled. The outcome will be communicated to the public immediately after the meeting.
“The Commission wishes to assure Nigerians of its diligent preparations for these elections and to thank all stakeholders for their understanding and support”
