by Kolapo Olapoju
In spite of the shift in election dates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President Goodluck Jonathan, insists that his commitment to the handover date of May 29, 2015, remains unwavering.
INEC had on Saturday, February 7, pushed forward the general elections from February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11, citing the unavailability of security agencies during the earlier stipulated election dates, as a reason for the postponement.
Immediately after the announcement, many Nigerians protested the action, saying the electoral commission was forced to carry out the postponement. While some blamed it on the ruling party, Peoples Democratic Party, others blamed it on the presidency, saying it is scared of losing at the polls.
However, a statement signed on Sunday, February 8, by the Presidential Spokesman, Reuben Abati, stated that Nigerians should accept the decision in good faith as it would not affect the handover date.
“Following the adjustment of the dates for the 2015 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11, yesterday, President Goodluck Jonathan has reassured the nation of his commitment to the sanctity of May 29, 2015 as the terminal date of his first term in office.
“He strongly reaffirms that May 29 is, has been, and will remain sacrosanct.
“The President appeals to all stakeholders to accept the adjustment of the election dates by INEC in good faith, as the electoral body has a responsibility to conduct credible elections in which every Nigerian of voting age is afforded the opportunity to exercise their civic right without any form of hindrance.
“President Jonathan believes that this is not a time to trade blames or make statements that may overheat the polity, but a time to show understanding and support the electoral commission to conduct the elections successfully.
“It is the President’s understanding that INEC’s decision ought not to generate acrimony since it acted within its powers under the law and in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
“He calls on the international community, civil society and the electorate to continue to support the administration’s commitment to a free, fair, credible, and non-violent electoral process” the statement added.
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