Election postponement, shocking ― Gbenga Daniel

The former governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel, has said that the postponement of the Presidential and the National Assembly election was not pleasant news to Nigerians.

Daniel in an interview with newsmen said he was shocked with the postponement announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in the early hours of Saturday.

The Deputy Chairman (South) Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Council,  noted with dismay the comment of the National Chairman of the electoral body, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, that the election was postponed due to logistics issue.

He explained that the development is not good for the nation’s and Africa political system, saying that the body had ample time to prepare for the election.

The former governor thereby urged INEC not to play to the gallery by doing the bidding of some elements to scuttle the nation’s democracy.

“It is not particularly pleasant news in all ramifications. This an election that INEC and all of them have about three and a half years to prepare for. And up until a few days ago, we had assurances that everything is set to go.

“And I am really shocked. I would not know any excuse they have to give. The INEC chairman spoke in terms of logistics and I still don’t understand it. I am told that they having another meeting by 2 pm in Abuja and I hope that they would come with better clarification.

“But clearly, this is not good for the politics. Look at the international observers, some of them have been here in the last two weeks. What do you expect them to do now?

“It is really not a good day for politics in Nigeria and Africa,” he added.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for the resignation of Yakubu,  describing the postponement as a shame and disgrace to the country.

In a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Azeez, said the sovereignty of Nigeria should not be toyed with, accusing President Muhammadu Buhari of committing the unity of Nigerians in the hands of cabals.

“The decision to postpone is a robbery end stealing of people’s right. For crying out loud, INEC and the Federal Government had enough time to plan for this, what they could be the reason for INEC to steal the people’s mandate.

“Obviously a huge sum of money was allocated for this purpose. The INEC chairman needs to explain the general masses why he should allow the weight of some cabals in and outside to frustrate the people’s demand.

“It is a shame and a bad signal to worldwide observers that the sincerity in the forthcoming election is diminishing,” he said.