The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC shifts the date for Kogi and Bayelsa Gubernatorial elections to a new date. The elections were scheduled to hold November 2, but the commission said they will now hold on November 16 2019.
INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Festus Okoye, in a statement on Thursday, explained the shift was in response to appeals for rescheduling of the polls.
Some stakeholders from Bayelsa state have been vociferous in asking INEC to change the election date claiming it coincides with the state’s annual ‘Thanksgiving Day’ which is backed by law.
“After careful consideration of the appeals, the Commission at its regular weekly meeting held today, Thursday 16th May, decided to shift the governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa Gubernatorial election to Saturday 16th November 2019,” the statement read.
“The timelines for all other activities leading to the elections have also been adjusted to align with the new date.”
In the amended timetable and schedule of activities for the elections, the conduct of party primaries and resolution of any dispute would hold between August 18 and September 5, while campaigns will also commence on August 18.
Personal particulars of candidates would be published on September 16, while official register of voters would be published on October 3 with campaigns ending on November 14.