The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has announced the postponement of bye-elections scheduled for October 31st, 2020.

The commission met today, 22nd October, 2020 with 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to review preparations for the 15 bye-elections in 11 States of the Federation.

On Wednesday 21st October 2020, the Commission notified the nation that having taken cognisance of the current security situation in parts of the country, a meeting with the 37 RECs will be held to evaluate the situation in the States and Constituencies where bye-elections have been scheduled.

Accordingly, the Commission decided to postpone the bye-elections in the 6 Senatorial Districts and 9 State Constituencies. The decision is in compliance with Section 26 (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), which gives the Commission the power to postpone an election if there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace is likely to occur if the election is proceeded with on that date, or that it is impossible to conduct the elections as a result of natural disasters or other emergencies.

INEC disclosed that it will continue to monitor the situation in all the States and Constituencies, consult with relevant Stakeholders and meet again in two weeks to eview the situation and decide on a feasible date for the elections.

The Commission appealed for calm and understanding of the stakeholders and voters in the States where elections were scheduled.