The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed the general elections by a week, less than five hours to the start of the polls.
According to the
commission, the Presidential and National Assembly elections, initially
scheduled for today, February 16, will now hold on February 23, while the
governorship and state houses of assembly elections will take place on March 9.
INEC Chairman,
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, announced the decision at a short press briefing at
2:44 am on Saturday morning.
Clich here Watch: VIDEO:Why We Postponed General Elections – INEC
He said, “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, 23 February 2019.
“Furthermore, the
Governorship, State House of Assembly, and Federal Capital Territory Area
Council elections are rescheduled to Saturday, 9 March, 2019.”
According to the INEC
boss, the postponement will afford the commission the opportunity to address
identified challenges in order to maintain the quality of the nation’s
elections.
“This was a difficult
decision for the commission to take but necessary for the successful delivery
of the elections and the consolidation of our democracy,” he added.
The press briefing
followed a crucial meeting Professor Yakubu had with INEC’s 12 National
Commissioners late on Friday night.
The polls were shifted
despite earlier assurance by the INEC boss that the commission has no plan to
postpone the elections.
Professor Yakubu’s
announcement confirms speculations that the electoral umpire would shift the
polls after encountering challenges in the distribution of electoral materials.
The move means Nigeria
has postponed its last three general elections.
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