By Godwin Amunde
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Senatorial Candidate for Cross River North, Dr. Stephen Odey, has officially announced the suspension of campaigns ahead of the Senatorial By-Election initially slated for 31st of October, 2020 which was later postponed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a result of the crisis generated by the ongoing EndSARs protest across the nation.
This was disclosed to newsmen in a statement on October, 23th, 2020.
“The postponement is in tune with the reality on ground in Nigeria, orchestrated by the nationwide protest that has led to the postponement of the October 31st Cross River North by-election by INEC for two weeks,” according to the statement.
He however said “door to door campaigns continues.”
Dr. Stephen Odey expressed his profound appreciation to the PDP Cross River North Campaign Council, the Chairman, Vice Chairman, DG and all members of the Campaign Council, Security Personnel, the Media and all support groups, while urging them to remain focused and committed to the ideals of the Rescue Mission.
INEC had scheduled October 31 for the conduct of six senatorial districts and nine state constituencies by-elections.
However, there has been a spate of violence in many parts of the country, resulting from the ongoing #EndSARS protest against police brutality.
The by-elections are to take place in Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Nganzai and Bayo constituencies in Borno State, Cross River North Senatorial District and Obudu Constituency in Cross River.
Others are Imo North Senatorial District, Lagos East Senatorial District, Kosofe II Constituency in Lagos State, Plateau South Senatorial District, Bakura Constituency in Zamfara and Ibaji Constituency in Kogi.
The by-elections in the federal and state legislative houses were due to resignation or death of members in the affected states.
