The Pandemic Will Not Affect Nigeria’s Electoral Process – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has come out to say that the coronavirus pandemic will not obstruct Nigeria’s democracy and the electoral process.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu shared this in Abuja recently as part of his remarks at the commission’s first virtual meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).

According to him, the PTF has issued guidelines on protective measures for the gradual restoration of normalcy nationwide, so our electoral process will not be affected in any way.

He added that the commission recently released its own policy on conducting elections in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and INEC is completely sure that electoral activities can resume seamlessly.

His words, “For instance, further engagements with the National Assembly and stakeholders on electoral reform and the conduct of some off-season elections have to be suspended because of the global health emergency.

“Happily, the PTF has issued guidelines on protective measures for the gradual restoration of normalcy nationwide.

”On that basis, the commission recently released its own policy on conducting elections in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The commission is convinced that electoral activities can resume, but in full compliance with the advisory issued by health authorities.

“Consequently, the Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States scheduled for Sept. 19 and Oct. 10 respectively, will proceed as planned.”