The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shifted the Bayelsa and Kogi state governorship elections to November 16.
The elections were scheduled to hold November 2.
INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Festus Okoye, in a statement on Thursday, explained the shift was in response to appeals for rescheduling of the polls.
Some stakeholders from Bayelsa state have been vociferous in asking INEC to change the election date claiming it coincides with the state’s annual ‘Thanksgiving Day’ which is backed by law.
“After a careful consideration of the appeals, the Commission at its regular weekly meeting held Thursday, May 16, decided to shift the governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States to Saturday, November 16, 2019,” the statement reads.
“The timelines for all other activities leading to the elections have also been adjusted to align with the new date.”
In the amended timetable and schedule of activities for the elections, conduct of party primaries and resolution of any dispute would hold between August 18 and September 5, while campaigns will also commence on August 18.
Personal particulars of candidates would be published on September 16, while official register of voters would be published on October 3 with campaigns ending on November 14.
