INEC: Why We Rescheduled Edo Election

The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission released a statement this evening on why they postponed Edo State gubernatorial election scheduled to hold on the 8th of September to 28th.

According to a press release by the electoral body, INEC cited security as the main reason why the election was moved. The press release which was made at exactly 8pm Thursday Night, and a letter made public by the commission:

INEC announced that the date of the Edo governorship election has been rescheduled to hold on September, 28, 2016 citing security challenges.

It may also be recalled that the Department Of State Security yesterday pleaded with INEC to shift the day of election following intel that insurgent and extremist elements  are planning to attack vulnerable communities and soft targets in the state.

INEC subsequently released a statement claiming bthat the election will go on as planned.

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The force spokesperson, DCP Don Awunah who spoke on behalf of the DSS and the police in Abuja said that Edo was among the states being earmarked for the planned attacks by the extremists between Sept. 12 and 13 respectively. He said that while election was important, security agencies cannot allow the peace of the country to be disrupted. ”

We will continue to be vigilant and ensure consolidation of the successes gained in the current counter-insurgency fight. “It is in these regard that we we are appealing to INEC which has the legal duty to regulate elections in the country to consider the need for possible postponement of the date of the election,” continued.