The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) early Saturday morning announced the postponement presidential and national assembly elections. The new date is now next Saturday, 23rd February, 2019.
Everyday.ng had hours ago reported the déjà vu plans, like 2015, to postpone the elections for security reasons, even as complaints of missing electoral materials came from some States.
Also, the same goes for Governorship and State Assembly elections which also moved forward for a week to March 9.
This is why, according to INEC Chairman, Professor MahmoudYakubu in a statement to journalists at about 2:28 a.m.: “The Independent National Electoral Commission met on Friday, 15 February 2019 and reviewed its preparation for the 2019 general elections scheduled for Saturday, February 16, and Saturday, March 2.
“Following a careful review of the implementation of its logistics and operational plans and its determination to conduct free, fair and credible elections, the commission came to the conclusion that proceeding with the election as scheduled is no longer feasible.
“Consequently, the commission has decided to reschedule the Presidential/National Assembly elections to Saturday, 23rd February 2019. Furthermore, the Governorship/State House of Assembly/Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections are 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. This was a difficult decision for the commission to take but necessary for the successful delivery of elections and consolidation of our democracy.
“The Commission will meet with key stakeholders to update them on this development at 2 P.M at the Abuja International Conference Centre.”
