From Taiwo Amodu, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said suspended elections in Rivers, Imo, Kogi and Kano states which were disrupted by violence would be conducted not later than July31.
The commission, however, cautioned that it would redeem its pledge, “provided that all necessary consultations and activities leading to the elections were concluded timeously and that conditions were conducive enough for the conduct of the elections.’’
INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, in a statement said the commission will not return to conduct elections or hesitate to further postpone or discontinue suspended elections in any area where there is imminent threat to lives or to peace or security, especially where such threats were likely to lead to breakdown of law and order.
The commission issued a roadmap for the resolution of the crisis and violence which led to the suspension of the elections in the affected areas said it would fix the dates for the elections following consultations with political parties and candidates.
In a separate statement, ahead of the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, the commission disclosed that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise for Edo and Ondo states will hold from Wednesday, June 22 to Sunday, June 26. According to the statement signed by the Director, Commission’s Secretariat, Ishaku A. Gali, INEC has also scheduled Monday, June 27, 2016 as the conclusion of Claims and Objections.