Joshua Adetunji
The Independent National Electoral Commission, has declared that all the 15 pending bye – elections in 11 States in Nigeria would be conducted on Saturday December 5 2020.
The commission also appealed for the cooperation of voters and stakeholders in the states with pending bye -elections in its efforts to deliver credible elections under a safe environment .
INEC National Commissioner and chairman (Information and Voter Education Committee ), Festus Okoye, made the announcement in a statement issued after its meeting which held in Abuja on Friday.
The meeting, among other things , reviewed the outcome of its quarterly engagements and consultations with critical stakeholders in the electoral process , and further reviewed the security situation and other challenges regarding the 15 pending bye -elections in 11 States.
According to reports, it was reported that following the # EndSARS nationwide protests, INEC had announced the indefinite postponement of the bye – elections in the six Senatorial Districts and nine State Constituencies.
The commission then said it would continue to monitor the situation in all the states and constituencies , consult with relevant stakeholders and meet again in two weeks to review the situation and decide on a feasible date for the elections.
The pending by – elections are Bayelsa Central Senatorial District ; Bayelsa West Senatorial District ; Nganzai and Bayo Constituencies in Borno State ; Cross River North Senatorial District ; Obudu Constituency in Cross River.
Others are Imo North Senatorial District ; Lagos East Senatorial District ; Kosofe II Constituency in Lagos State ; Plateau South Senatorial District ; Bakura Constituency in Zamfara ; and Ibaji Constituency in Kogi.
The bye – elections in the federal and state legislative houses were due to the resignation or death of members in eight states of the federation.
He said , “ The commission met again on Thursday , November 5 2020 and reviewed the situation. It noted among other things , the extensive damage to and vandalization of its local government offices and facilities , which affected some areas where the bye – elections are scheduled to hold.
