Election postponement: INEC risks losing Nigerians’ confidence ― Ajimobi

GOVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state has warned that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is at risk of losing the confidence reposed in the commission by Nigerians except elections held on the new dates of February 23 and March 9.

In particular, Ajimobi told the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to bear in mind the fact that his integrity was at stake, cautioning him against venturing into any action that would rubbish his many years of public service.

Contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr Bolaji Tunji, Ajimobi, however, urged Nigerians to give the commission the benefit of the doubt by accepting the “logistics” reasons adduced by the commission.

“I have no doubt in my mind that the Chairman of INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, has his integrity at stake and would not dabble into anything that would rubbish his many years of meritorious service in the public service.

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“But, I must also admonish INEC to ensure that the new dates remain sacrosanct so that the confidence still reposed in them by some Nigerians who believed that they have the best of intention will not be eroded.

“Painful as the last minute decision taken by INEC is, I appeal to Nigerians to give the commission the benefit of the doubt by accepting the reasons they have enumerated as valid and genuine.

“Instead of needless hysteria and blame games, this unfortunate development should be an opportunity for key players in the election process to go on sober reflection on how good governance could be further enshrined in the country,” Ajimobi said.

While calling for sober reflection among players in the election process on how to ensure the sanctity of the electoral process, he held that Nigerians must be willing to make sacrifices to foster the sanctity of the nation’s democracy.