Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has said political parties planning to hold governorship primaries must take permission from the government if such gatherings will have more than 20 persons in attendance.
Obaseki made this known via his Twitter handle on Saturday while giving update on COVID-19 situation in the state.
The governor, who was disqualified from contesting in the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress on alleged certificate discrepancies, said the restriction was to curtail the spread of coronavirus.
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 All Progressives Congress primary will hold on June 21, two days after that of the People’s Democratic Party.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission, the political parties eligible to contest in Edo governorship election are: Action Alliance, African Action Congress, African Democratic Congress, African Democratic Party, APC, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Allied Peoples Movement, and Action Peoples Party.
Others are: Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, National Rescue Movement, PDP, Social Democratic Party, Young Progressive Party, and Zenith Labour Party.