#NigeriaDecides2019: INEC reveals why Elections was Postponed
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed why this year’s general elections was postponed by one week.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, addressed reporters at the press centre of the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the nation’s Capital.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu cited logistics and operational glitches for the shift, and told newsmen at the commission’s headquarters after about six hours marathon meeting with the National Commissioners, that “this is inevitable.”
According to him, 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 this year.
He said 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.
He added that the commission will meet key stakeholders to update them on this development today at 2 pm at the Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC).
Read the full speech by the INEC boss – Professor Mahmood Yakubu – below;
Ladies and gentlemen, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) met on Friday 15, February 2019, and reviewed its preparations for the 2019 general elections scheduled for Saturday, 16 February 2019, and Saturday 2 March 2019.
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.
This will afford the commission the opportunity to address identified challenges in order to maintain the quality of our 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.
The commission will meet with key stakeholders to update them on this development at 2pm on Saturday, 16 February 2019, at the Abuja International Conference Centre.
Thank you very much.