The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has postponed the governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States.
The commission said the decision followed appeal by government, state assembly, elders and others that the election coincides with Bayelsa State Thanksgiving Day reflected in Bayelsa State Thanksgiving Day Law 2012.
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INEC had earlier fixed November 2, 2019 for the elections but now rescheduled the polls to Saturday, November 16, 2019.
“It will be recalled that on 9th April 2019, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the timetable and schedule of activities for the Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections. The Commission fixed 2nd November for the elections to hold in both States,” INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, said in a statement.
“However, the Commission has received several appeals from the Government, State Assembly, elders, religious leaders, traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders in Bayelsa state, that the election date coincides with the State’s Annual Thanksgiving day which is backed by the Bayelsa State Thanksgiving Day Law 2012.
“After a 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 States to Saturday 16th November 2019.
“The timelines for all other activities leading to the elections have also been adjusted to align with the new date. The amended timetable and schedule of activities for the elections is attached to this press release.”
