UPDATED: INEC Reschedules Bayelsa, Kogi Governorship Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled the governorship elections for Bayelsa and Kogi States.

The electoral body had earlier fixed November 2 for the gubernatorial elections in the aforementioned states.

The governorship elections in the two states is now expected to hold November 16.

This development comes barely three days after the Bayelsa state government pleaded with the commission to shift the date for the election. This was cited by Festus Okoye, INEC director of voter education and publicity, in a statement, as reason for the rescheduling the exercise.

“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 statement read.

“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.