16th February, 2019
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara, Dr Rex Olawoye, says the postponement of the general elections by a week would make the exercise more credible.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had, few hours ago, postponed Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections to Feb. 23.
The governorship and House of Assembly as well as FCT area council elections have also been shifted from March 2 to March 9.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, confirmed report of the shift of the elections, attributing this to logistic and operational problems.
He said the postponement would afford the commission the opportunity to address the identified challenges in order to maintain the quality of Nigeria’s elections.
The postponement of the election came after more than six hours of meeting between Yakubu and 12 national commissioners in Abuja.
Olawoye, in an early reaction, told NAN that INEC would have taken the hard decision based on the realities on the ground.
” I believe that INEC would have cogent reasons for the postponement and Nigerians should expect more credible elections.
“ This would, however, cost the nation more expenses as much logistics have been put in place, but the nation and the electoral process would be better off with the decision,” he said.
He also said the postponement would give the APC another opportunity to intensity its preparations ahead of the new rescheduled dates.
“APC will now have ample time to resume preparation for the final onslaught against the PDP.
“I therefore called on all our teeming supporters and APC members across the country to redouble their efforts in order to realise our goal of ensuring continuity for the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.
“I believe that within this space of time, we will make sure that we do not leave any stone unturned.
” By the grace of God, APC is going to the next level, we would not relent in our efforts to return President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo back to Aso Rock,” Olawoye added.