Bye Election: INEC Meets States RECs for Evaluation
By David Onimisi Lawani, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral commission, INEC, has said it is meeting with all 36 states REC and FCT on what to do concerning the bye elections coming up across the states.
National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, stated this in a statement released in Abuja today, noting that the commission is making conscious efforts to ensure everyone is carried along in the arrangements.
According to him: “The public would recall that the INEC scheduled the conduct of bye-elections in 15 constituencies in 11 States for October 31, 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.
Okoye maintained that the commission is meeting with RECs across the states to evaluate the situation and the outcome will be made available to the public.
” Consequently, the Commission will tomorrow, Thursday October 22, 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”, he noted.
