Real reasons INEC postponed elections to Feb 23, March 9

After three years of sustained assurance that it was fully prepared for 2019 general elections, the Independent National  Electoral  Commission (INEC) has dashed the hopes of Nigerians.

It announced the postponement of the series of elections that were expected to commence on Saturday, February 16, with the conduct of both the presidential and national assembly elections.

Speculation was rife that the elections would be postponed as of Friday afternoon when Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of certain states complained over non-delivery of sensitive materials to local government. Among States where tension was high were Oyo and Niger states.

After a rigorous meeting between Friday afternoon and early hours of Saturday morning, between the INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu and some of his National Commissioners, the latter addressed newsmen at 2.45 am on Saturday.

Addressing newsmen, Professor Yakubu disclosed that the Commission decided to shift dates for the election, “Following a careful review of the implementation of its logistics and operational plan.”

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He announced Saturday, February 23, 2019, and Saturday, March 9, 2019, as new dates for the conduct of presidential/National Assembly and governorship/States Assembly elections, respectively.

The statement read in part: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) met on Friday. 15’h February 2019 and reviewed its preparations for the 2019 General Elections scheduled for Saturday, 16’h February 2019 and Saturday, 2nd 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, 23ed February 2019.

“Furthermore, the Governorship, State House of Assembly and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections is rescheduled to Saturday 9‘h 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 key stakeholders to update them on this development at 2 pm. on Saturday, l6lh February 2019 at the Abuja International Conference Centre.”

Professor Yakubu declined to entertain questions from newsmen