Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said that it will not conduct the re-run election in Kogi State declared twice inconclusive; until there is assurance of peace for conduct of election in the state.
State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr. Samuel Madaki, said the political players, their parties and other stakeholders must signed resolution towards the effect, else, the commission will not conduct the re-run election.
The Kogi East senate seat, two other Houses of assembly: Idah and Ofu; are still pending despite the election conducted twice.
Madaki also attributed violence sponsored by candidates and their political parties as major reason elections in Nigeria are declared inconclusive by the electoral umpire.
The Madaki also said the commission has directed him to come to the state to ascertain if the political atmosphere is ripe for peaceful election, “This meeting is part of the commission’s effort towards building the confidence of all stakeholders before under taking the conduct of the re-run elections.
Commission, after its meeting of 28th April, 2016 directed that conditions precedent for repeat re-runs be reviewed by the REC. This involves setting up of criteria to be met before a repeat of re-run election is undertaken in areas where violence was prevalent.
Listed the condition to includes; assessment report by the REC of the state indicating that conducive election exists; a written commitment by political parties and stakeholders for a violence free polls; and a written guarantee of peace, order, safety of officials and materials during the polls by members of the inter-agency consultative committee on election security, ICCES.
Madaki also said failure to meet those condition, the commission will not hesitate to cancel the conduct, “While the Commission is committed to conducting free, fair and credible elections, as a responsible organisation, it will not expose its stakeholders especially voters, officials, observers, media personnel to any danger.
Commission will not hesitate to suspend the exercise where their is a clear danger of threat of breakdown of law and order”.
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