Edo 2020: Ban on gatherings of over 20 remains, Obaseki tells APC, others

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has told political parties planning to hold their governorship primary elections that restriction on gatherings of over 20 persons is still in place in the state.

The restriction, he said, was to curb the spread of coronavirus in the state.

He said this while giving an update on COVID-19 situation in the state via his Twitter handle on Saturday.

The governor, who has been declared ineligible to contest in the APC’s Edo State governorship primary, warned that any political party planning to hold a gathering of over 20 persons must secure permission from the state government.

This is as the All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party have scheduled their primaries for June 21 and 19 respectively.

While the APC adopted the direct primary, PDP would be conducting its primaries using the indirect method.

Obaseki said, “In view of the upcoming elections and to reduce infection transmission rates during political gatherings, I have issued a gazette that provides guidance on how political parties can conduct their activities.

“There remains a restriction of gatherings for more than 20 persons. However, where higher numbers of persons are required to gather, permit with specified location, guidelines and supervision may be granted by the @EdoStateGovt.”

The governor also said schools remain closed in the state, adding that “in line with the Presidential Task Force recommendations for States, the curfew starting from 10pm to 4am subsists.”