The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a rescheduling of the February 16 National Assembly and Presidential elections to Saturday, February 23rd, 2019, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections earlier scheduled for March 2nd to Saturday, March 9, 2019, citing logistic concerns.
Chairman of the election management body, Professor Mahmood Yakub disclosed this at the commission’s Headquarters in Abuja during a short press briefing held early Saturday in the company of INEC National Commissioners.
“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,” he said.
“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.
While a similar development had occurred during the 2011 elections when INEC under the leadership of Professor Attahiru Jega where it cited logistic concerns, and the 2015 elections which saw the exercise postponed by 6 weeks due to security concerns raised by the nation’s Security chiefs, Nigerians have expressed rage and displeasure over the development lamenting huge loss incurred by the nation in diverse ways.
Temidayo Taiwo-Sidiq is a Journalist, Political Analyst and Satirist with major interest in Nigerian Politics, Governance and Sports.
Leave a reply