We’ll suspend govship elections in Edo, Ondo if violence continues – INEC
INEC's Spokesperson, Festus Okoye who issued a
statement after a meeting on Thursday August 5 said the elections will be
suspended if the political actors threaten law and order before or during the
polls.
Okoye added that the commission is deeply
concerned by the “escalating levels of violent actions and incendiary statements”
by parties, candidates and their supporters in the two states.
The statement 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.
“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.”
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