Why INEC fixed Edo guber for Sept 28, 2 days after Oba’s coronation

After a ding dong drama of whether or not to shift the Edo governorship elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has finally said the exercise will now take place on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.

This is two days after the coronation of the new Oba of Benin, which has been fixed for Monday, September26, 2016.

The new date by INEC may not be unconnected with the realisation that holding elections so close to a date before the coronation of a new Oba in Benin kingdom will reflect on the success or otherwise of the election.

When rumour of the planned postponement for two weeks hit town, the state’s governor, Adams Oshiomhole, had kicked against it, counseling that it could be postponed for one week, so as not to clash with the planned coronation of the Oba of Benin.

Speaking on a television programme on Thursday, the governor said the Oba’s coronation is a big event in Edo State.

Read also: Finally, INEC caves in, moves Edo election by 2 weeks

The electoral umpire however later in the day issued a statement signed by its National Commissioner, Voter Education and Publicity,  Prince Solomon Soyebi, giving reasons why changed its mind to shift the exercise, as against its earlier stance to hold it as planned for September 10.

He said the electoral body initially insisted on continuing with the election on Saturday because there was no official communication from security agencies.

He added that INEC received official communication from security agencies at about 6:00pm on Thursday, drawing the Commission’s attention to the need to postpone the election because of threats of terrorists’ activities in Edo and other states.

He said: “The communication indicates that deployment of security personnel country wide to secure lives and property would over stretch their capacity while at the same time provide adequate security for the election.

“The Commission notes the request of the security agencies and considering the security implications of proceeding with the election, the safety of eligible voters, electoral officials including ad hoc staff and other stakeholders, has decided to reschedule the Edo Governorship election to Wednesday, September 28.”

Read INEC’s full statement below:

By Timothy Enietan-Matthews ….

 

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