INEC Postpones Edo Election By Two Weeks Because It Clashes With The Oba Of Benin Coronation

Following intense pressure from security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission will postpone the Edo State governorship election by two weeks.
The election had earlier been scheduled for Saturday September 10, 2016.


A source said that it appears impossible for INEC to deploy staff and material.

He said, “There is no security to escort them simply because they are unavailable. The security agencies are going to formally communicate their security advise to us in a short while

“We shall meet to take a decision. At the moment it is no longer feasible to deploy and conduct the elections. NYSC has advised us that many parents have called to withdraw their children from election duty. Since they form the bulk of election duty personnel, their withdrawal is a major challenge.”

Meanwhile, governor Oshiomhole said the election could be postponed for one week because of the planned coronation of the Oba of Benin slated for September 26.

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

He said, “We have a big event in Edo on September 26 which is the Oba’s coronation. Before that day, there are other events that must be done. It will not be proper to hold election during that period.

“Why not postpone the election for one week?”
On whether the All Progress Congress (APC) was afraid of defeat, Oshiomhole said the APC defeated the PDP in 16 local government areas in the last election held in the state.

He said his party was ready for the election, adding that Edo is not a war zone.

He added: “We will win the election. The PDP has no credibility in this state.”