Violence: INEC to suspend Edo governorship election

Consequently, parties and candidates must on no account underestimate the resolve of the Commission to enforce the rules and regulations and apply appropriate sanctions against those who choose to break them.

Ahead of the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo, scheduled for September 19 and October 10 respectively, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has threatened to halt the governorship elections amid the violence in the two states.

INEC said this on Thursday that it will not hesitate to halt the elections if the actions of political actors threaten law and order before or during the polls.

INEC said some political rallies in two states have been marred by violence.

In July, 10 persons were wounded when gunshots rocked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally in Edo.

In a statement issued by Festus Okoye, its spokesman, INEC said it is deeply concerned by the “escalating levels of violent actions and incendiary statements” by parties, candidates and their supporters in the two states.

NEWS: Court Sentences Herdsman To Die By Hanging In Ekiti

“It is important for political parties, candidates and their supporters to keep in mind that there are extant laws and regulations that they must adhere to during campaigns,” the electoral umpire said, adding that it “will not shirk its responsibility to enforce the rules of the game”.

The statement further read: “Consequently, parties and candidates must on no account underestimate the resolve of the Commission to enforce the rules and regulations and apply appropriate sanctions against those who choose to break them.

“The Commission remains determined to conduct peaceful elections in the two States and in the outstanding National and State Assembly bye-elections.

NEWS: Edo Poll: God revealed to me, there will be ‘bloodbath’ – Primate Ayodele

“Political Parties must realize that Edo and Ondo Governorship elections are taking place at a time of a global pandemic and the Commission is working assiduously to observe and comply with all health and safety protocols issued by the Commission and health authorities.

“Political Parties must remember that Edo and Ondo Governorship Elections have strict constitutional and statutory timelines and threats of violence or actual violence can disrupt those timelines and create a constitutional crisis.

“The Commission wishes to reassure the people of Edo and Ondo States of its determination to conduct credible and safe elections in the two states. The Commission shall not hesitate to discontinue the process should the actions of political actors lead to cogent and verifiable threat and/or breakdown of law and order before or during the elections.”

INEC earlier warned that it would not declare any winner if there was an outbreak of violence in the course of an election.

Newsflash Nigeria is an online newspaper that is developed and written exclusively for Nigerians. It’s packed with up-to-the-minute Local and National Economy News, Share & Capital Market, Health, Sports, Education, Technology, Business and Opinions.

To make further advert enquiries or place an order, please contact us at [email protected] and +2348053316946 and WhatsApp number 08033546732

FOLLOW US ON GOOGLE

Emmanuel Amuda

Emmanuel Amuda, a blogger by profession for the past 7 years. He studied Mathematics at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Contact: +2348053316946 Twitter: @Lackren

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button