The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed the 2019 general elections by one week.
The 2019 general elections earlier scheduled for Saturday, 16th February 2019 and Saturday, 2nd March 2019 will now hold on 23 February and 9 March 2019.
Making the disclosures, the chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, noted that logistics and operational reasons necessitated the postponement, adding also that “this is inevitable.”
“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, 23rd February 2019.
“Furthermore, the Governorship, State House of Assembly and FCT Area Council election is 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,” Prof. Yakubu announced
Yakubu, further stressed that it was a difficult decision for the commission to take, but necessary for the successful delivery of the elections and the consolidation of the nation’s democracy.
Meanwhile, Nigerians have expressed Disappointment over the development which they said is not acceptable as most youth Corps members and INEC adhoc staff are presently stranded in their designated polling unit ahead of the election.
According to a Twitter user, @pazotexx “This is mal-administration of highest order and a slap to our democracy. What a government that derives joy in suffering her citizens. God help the poor Nigerians”.
Another user @Boldmove2 said, “Is INEC saying Prof. Yakubu is incompetent? Or this is a huge conspiracy to rig the election.
“The INEC chairman has questions to answer. Its either he is incompetent to conduct this election or he is a part of the conspiracy to rig this election”.
