The Independent National Electoral Commission has postponed indefinitely dates for the conduct of bye-elections in Bayelsa West and Central senatorial elections. It also postponed the bye-elections in Imo North Senatorial District and Plateau South.
For Bayelsa, the positions became vacant following the emergence of Diri Duoye and Senator Lawrence O. Ewhrudjakpo as governor and deputy governor of Bayelsa State respectively. The seat for Imo North and Plateau South became vacant as a result of the death of the immediate past occupants, Benjamin Uwajumogu and Longjan Ignatius Datong.
But the commission in a statement on Thursday signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye said the processes that would lead to the conduct of the elections have been shelved as a result of the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
The statement disclosed that dates for the elections would be conveyed when the situation normalised.
It, however, said dates for Edo and Ondo states governorship elections have not been changed.
The statement read in part:” The Independent National Electoral Commission received notification of vacancies for the Bayelsa Central and Bayelsa West Senatorial Districts following the swearing into office of Senator Diri Duoye and Senator Lawrence O. Ewhrudjakpo as Governor and Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State respectively. The Commission also received notice of vacancies for the Imo North Senatorial District following the death of Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu and for Plateau South Senatorial District following the death of Senator Longjan Ignatius Datong.
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“Arising from the declaration of vacancies by the President of the Senate, the Commission commenced preparations for the conduct of bye-elections to fill these vacancies. However, given the health emergency occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic and the preventive measures put in place by the health authorities, federal and state governments, the commission has decided to postpone the four Senatorial bye-elections until the situation normalises. This is line with Section 26 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) which empowers the Commission to postpone any election in the event of any emergency or natural disaster.
“The commission is compelled to take this step in recognition of the fact that all major activities in the electoral process involve a large gathering of people. These include the conduct of political party primaries, campaigns, stakeholder meetings, training and deployment of election and security personnel, movement of accredited observers and journalists, the congregation of voters and other stakeholders at polling units, as well as the collation centres.
“While the commission acknowledges the right and desire of citizens for effective representation, there is an overriding public interest in ensuring the health, safety and well-being of all stakeholders.
“The timetable and schedule of activities for the postponed bye-elections will be issued as soon as the coronavirus pandemic is contained. The governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States scheduled for September and October 2020 respectively are not affected.
“We appeal for the understanding and cooperation of all.” NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
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