Nigeria: INEC announces dates for Bayelsa, Imo and Lagos Senatorial bye-elections

Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the new dates for Bayelsa, Imo and Lagos State Senatorial bye-elections. 

In a statement quoted by National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye said Bayelsa Central and West Senatorial Districts, amImo North Senatorial District bye-elections slated for 31 October.

According to him, Other bye-elections scheduled to hold on the same date include Nganzai State Constituency Borno; Bayo State Constituency Borno; Cross River North Senatorial District; Obudu State Constituency; Cross River State and Lagos East Senatorial District.

"Others are Kosofe II State Constituency Lagos; Plateau South Senatorial District; Bakura State Constituency as well as Zamfara State and Ibaji State Constituency, Kogi State.

"The Commission met on August 11 and reviewed preparations for Edo and Ondo States Governorship elections, the conduct of the Nasarawa Central State Constituency election held on Saturday 8th August as well as all outstanding bye-elections."

It added, "Several vacancies have occurred in both Federal and State Legislative Houses as a result of resignation or death of members, affecting 12 constituencies across 8 States of the Federation.

"As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission decided earlier to suspend the conduct of all bye-elections until it is satisfied that the elections can be conducted in a safe and conducive environment.

"Since then, the Commission has developed its Policy on Conducting Elections in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic, revised its Regulations and Guidelines, and engaged with health authorities and stakeholders on conducting elections in an environment that guarantees both credibility and public safety.

"The Commission has also successfully conducted the bye-election to fill the vacancy in the Nasarawa Central State Constituency and is going ahead with the conduct of governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States on the 19th September and 10th October respectively. Consequently, the Commission is now in a position to schedule the following bye-elections. 

"Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Nganzai State Constituency, Borno State, Bayo State Constituency, Borno State, Cross River North Senatorial District, Obudu State Constituency, Cross River State, Imo North Senatorial District, Lagos East Senatorial District, Kosofe II State Constituency, Lagos State, Plateau South Senatorial District, Bakura State Constituency, Zamfara State, Ibaji State Constituency, Kogi State

"The Commission has scheduled all the pending bye-elections for Saturday, October 31, 2020.

"By the harmonized timetable, the Commission will give the notice of election on August 17 while political parties will conduct their primaries to nominate candidates between August 24 and September 8. Submission of forms and personal particulars of candidates will commence on 9th September and close at 6 pm on September 13. The timetable and schedule of activities for the bye-elections have been uploaded on the Commission’s website and social media platforms.

"Furthermore, the attention of the Commission has been drawn to the existence of vacancies in the following state constituencies: Isi-Uzo State Constituency in Enugu State and Bakori State Constituency in Katsina State.

"However, vacancies have not been formally declared by the Speakers of the affected State Assemblies.

"The Commission implores concerned stakeholders, particularly political parties to take note of the timelines in the schedule and strictly adhere to them."