The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Monday, July 6, presented Guidelines for Conducting Elections During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Nigeria, ahead of the Nasarawa Central State Constituency bye election scheduled for August 8 and the Edo and Ondo State governorship elections. NCDC Director General, Chikwe Ihekwazu who presented the guidelines at the daily briefing of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, also called on Nigerian leaders and politicians to show exemplary leadership by prioritising the lives of the electorate in the course of elections. The NCDC guidelines encourage political parties to adopt virtual campaigns where feasible, using television, radio and mobile vans. However, where physical campaigns are adopted and in other mass gatherings, such as on election day, health regulations like wearing face masks, temperature checks, physical distancing and the use of handwashing facilities should be adhered to. The guidelines strongly encourage utilisation of only one-third of the capacity of campaign venues, and crowd control at polling units on election day by limiting the number of people allowed to vote at a given time. The document also encourages the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political parties, with guidance from health authorities (State Health Ministries), to put in place and sensitise the electorate on processes to ensure that they can vote safely. State governments and INEC are expected to ensure the availability of handwashing stations, sanitisers and adequate space to observe physical distancing during the electoral process.
Several State governors and government officials have tested positive to COVID-19, as Nigeria continues to confirm more cases of the virus. The governors of Delta, Ondo and Ebonyi States tested positive, alongside top officials of the Benue State government. This is coming ahead of two governorship elections scheduled for September 19 and October 10, in Edo and Ondo State, respectively. With political party primaries and campaign rallies set in motion, health concerns heighten. These activities usually involve politicians, including elected government officials coming together to show solidarity for the candidates of their respective parties and try to gain the support of the electorate. INEC in June 2020, released Supplementary Regulations and Guidelines for the Activities of Political Parties, which provide that candidates and their parties shall comply with public health regulations among other guidelines in carrying out their campaign activities. It is unclear how this will be enforced or who is responsible to ensure enforcement.