Following months of deliberation amidst the coronavirus pandemic in the country, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party and the main opposition, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in Nigeria have released schedules for gubernatorial and local government elections in two states (Edo and Ondo) following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to move forward with elections.
The Electoral Body’s Decision:
Earlier this year, in its Timetable and Schedule of Activities document released in February, the commission announced that the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states will take place on 19th September and 10th October 2020, respectively. However, following growing concerns surrounding the spread of coronavirus in the country, the Commission decided to close its offices and postpone scheduled by-elections in some states with details surrounding the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo state shrouded in doubt.
The Commission later confirmed the elections through a statement made by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Festus Okoye, who revealed that following extensive deliberations on a “wide range of issues”, the Commission was prepared to move forward with the elections.
“We reassure Nigerians of our resolve and determination to provide the requisite guidance, innovation, and leadership in conducting elections in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Commission is committed to fulfilling its constitutional responsibility of conducting elections but without jeopardizing the health and wellbeing of citizens, stakeholders, or its valued staff.”
APC and PDP Release Election Schedules
Coming in a week after the Commission’s announcement, the ruling party, APC, announced the timetable for its primaries ahead of the poll in Ondo and Edo states. The party fixed Monday, June 22, and Monday, July 20, for its gubernatorial primaries in Edo and Ondo, respectively. The forms for governorship aspirants in both states have been fixed at N22.5 million. This includes N2.5 million for expression of interest form and N20 million for the nomination form.
Likewise, the main opposition party, PDP, announced the timetable for its primary election in both states. In a timetable released via its official Twitter account, the party fixed Tuesday, June 23 for Edo state as well as Wednesday, July 22 and Thursday, July 23 for Ondo state.
The electoral umpire in Nigeria is set to release a Policy Framework that will guide its operations, activities, and engagements with critical stakeholders in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the electoral process in the country.
This story is part of our new series on Nigeria where we analyse electoral reform in the country ahead of the next general elections in 2023.
