Operational Difficulties Force INEC to Postpone Election by One Week
The presidential and national assembly election which would have held today was postponed due to operational difficulties, the the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has explained.
The INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, told newsmen after a meeting with stakeholders at about 2.44am that the new date for the election is now February 23.
Yakubu told newsmen, “Ladies and gentlemen, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) met on Friday, 15th February 2019 and reviewed its preparations for the 2019 general elections scheduled for Saturday, 16th February 2019.
“Following a careful review of the implementation of its logistics and operational plan and the determination to conduct free, fair and credible elections, the Commission came to the conclusion that proceeding with the elections as scheduled is no longer feasible.
“Consequently, the Commission has decided to reschedule the Presidential and National Assembly elections to Saturday, 23rdFebruary 2019.
“Furthermore, the Governorship, State House of Assembly and Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections are rescheduled to Saturday, 9th March 2019. This will afford the Commission the opportunity to address identified challenges in order to maintain the quality of our elections.
“This was a difficult decision for the Commission to take but necessary for the successful delivery of elections and a consolidation of our democracy.
“The Commission will meet with key stakeholders to update them on this development at 2p.m. on Saturday, 16th February 2019 at the Abuja International Conference Centre.”
In reaction to the INEC statement, the Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, said the poor arrangement was a deliberate agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari to remain in power.
In a statement by his media aide, Mr. Ike Abonyi, the PDP chairman said it was part of the plan to thwart the will of Nigerians at all cost.
He also said the postponement has exposed INEC as a failure.
The statement reads: “With several of their rigging options failing, they have to force INEC to agree to a shift in the election or a staggered election with flimsy excuses pre manufactured for the purpose.
“For the avoidance of doubt the PDP sees this action as wicked and we are also aware of other dubious designs like the deployment of hooded security operatives who would be ruthless on the people ostensibly to scare them away.”
About Post Author
