The Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] on Saturday announced that general elections earlier scheduled for February 14 and 28 has been shifted to March 28 and April 11 following a wide-ranging consultations with political parties, civil societies and security agencies.
According to the Commission, the presidential and national assembly elections will now hold on March 28 while the governorship and state assemblies election will take place on April 11.
The announcement was made by INEC chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega who told newsmen at a press conference in Abuja that though the Commission was ready to conduct and free and fair elections, it would not proceed because of circumstances that were outside the jurisdiction of the Commission.
He said INEC was advised by security chiefs to shift the elections for six weeks in order to accommodate the Nigerian military’s planned offensive against the activities of Boko Haram insurgents in the northeastern part of the country.
Jega emphasised that INEC’s capacities to conduct the elections on the dates earlier scheduled were not in doubts, saying that “INEC is capable of delivering free and fair elections.” He said all election materials needed for the conduct of the elections had already been delivered to states, and that he had made this known to the presidency during the Council of States meeting held on February 5, 2015.
“The summary of my presentation to the Council of States is that INEC is substantially ready to conduct elections,” Jega told journalists.
The INEC chairman noted that the Commission believe that “security is critical in the conduct of elections and it is not under the control of INEC.” He said the postponement was done solely on the basis of security reports it received from security agencies.
“If the security of personnel, voters, election observers and election materials cannot be guaranteed, the lives of innocent young men and women and the prospect of free, fair and credible elections will be greatly jeopardised,” he told reporters.
He continued that, “In consideration of the advice by the security agencies, it will be unconscionable to have elections without adequate security”
He further stressed that the security of its personnel and election materials forced INEC to postpone the elections. “INEC not being a security agency and concern for the staff and observers during elections, INEC cannot guarantee protection.”
“The security agencies reiterated that they will be concentrating their attention to the insurgency and may not be able to play its traditional role in providing security during the elections.”
Jega said INEC was faced with two options before the decision on the postponemnt was made.
“The questions from stakeholders has been:should INEC proceed with the elections despite consultations with the security agencies or “take into consideration the concerns and reschedule the date of elections.”
While responding to questions from journalists, Jega explained that the Commission took its decision after wide consultation and in the interest of the country. He said INEC was not forced by political party into reaching the decision. He also said the postponement would cost the government no additional funds.
When asked what happen if the security situation did not improve after six weeks, Jega responded that he had been assured by the security chiefs that “they can restore normalcy within 6 weeks. I hope that we should keep hope alive. We believe security agencies will do their best that security will be guaranteed in six weeks as promised by the security forces.” But “What INEC cannot do is conduct elections outside the time prescribed by the constitution.”
“We will do everything possible to make sure there is no additional shift after this rescheduling,” he Jega said.
He also absolved INEC of any blame in the collection of permanent voter’s cards [PVCs]. He insisted that INEC cannot force anyone to collect PVC. He said about 96% of PVCs has been delivered and sent to state for distribution. He, however, that the distribution of voter’s card will continue in all states of the federation.
Follow Us