UPDATED: COVID-19: INEC To Resume Normal Activities Ahead Of Edo, Ondo Governorship Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to resume normal activities across its offices nationwide to enable it prepare for the Edo and Ondo  governorship elections, as well as other elections. 

INEC said it reached the decision to resume normal activities after a meeting on Thursday. 

In a statement signed by by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, the Commission said the resumption was in line with the announcement of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 on the phased and gradual easing of the lockdown in the country from May 4. 

Okoye said: “The commission will meet on Thursday 7 May 2020 to review the situation in its offices across the country and adopt a clear road map for resumption of the activities in line with the announcement by the PTF. 

“The exact date for the step-by-step resumption of normal activities in the Headquarters, State and local government offices will be communicated to staff, our stakeholders and the public after the Commission’s meeting on Monday 7 May, 2020.”

The electoral body said staff earlier designated for the provision of essential services would continue with their work. 

It said, “All stakeholders are advised to wait for further communication from the Commission on resumption of normal activities.” 

INEC further advised its staff to ensure timely resumption of activities, “in view of the Governorship Elections in Edo and Ondo States and the by-election in Bayelsa, Imo and Plateau States,” adding that they must observe critical protocols that would allow for seamless and gradual restoration of normalcy in the commission.