The Nation Newspaper

Tag: 2019 Elections ‘Nigeria Decides 2019

  • Presidential poll: INEC cancels 146,355 votes in Plateau

    INEC said on Tuesday it canceled a total of 146,555 votes from Plateau in the Saturday Presidential election over failure to adhere to electoral guidelines.

    Prof. Richard Anande, the state’s Collation Officer, made the disclosure while giving a breakdown of election results from the state’s 17 local governments, at the INEC National Collation Centre in Abuja.

    Anande, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Markudi, said that of the figure, 92,000 were from Tudun-Wada/Kabong Federal Ward, in Jos North Local Government Area of the state.

    He said that the North-Central state had a registered voting population of 2,423,381, with 1,074,042 voters accredited for the Presidential poll.

    According to him, 1,062,862 votes were cast, with a total of 1,034,853 recorded as valid votes, while, 28,009 votes were rejected across the 17 local govermments. 

    On the scores, he said that the PDP garnered 548,665 votes, while the APC and ADC got 468,555 and 590 votes respectively. (NAN) 

     

  • Buhari will accept polls outcome, says Osinbajo

    The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari will accept the outcome a free and fair presidential election.

    He said this after casting his vote at polling unit 033 in Victoria Garden City (VGC), his country home in Lagos. “This administration will do everything it said. We are going to accept the outcome of a free, fair and credible poll.

    That is democracy. Let the voting process be peaceful. Cast your vote and encourage others to do the same. Let it remain as peaceful as it can. If the election is free and fair and everybody says it is free and fair, then we must accept the result,” he said.

    The Vice President, who said his vote is not different from the vote of every other Nigerian, said he and President Buhari are very confident of winning reelection.

    “We have gone round the nation and we have spoken to the nation about the need for us to continue on the path that we have set; the path of growth and development for the nation. We deserve a second term in order for us to complete all that we have started. We have also said that this country, in the next four years, by the grace of God and the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, will be a completely changed nation,” he said.

    Osinbajo, who also commended the turnout of voters and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the peaceful poll, said the turnout was impressive, expressing confidence in the elections.

  • Buhari, Atiku go for broke

    President Muhammadu Buhari ,Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and 71 other presidential candidates are returning to the trenches today following the 11th hour postponement of last weekend’s presidential and national assembly elections. Buhari ,who is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC),Atiku of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the other candidates will be battling for their share of the millions of votes that will be cast in what promises to be the biggest ever in Nigeria’s history.

    The two frontline contenders went for broke, seizing the opportunity of the postponement to push for votes. A total of 109 Senators and 360 Members of the House of Representatives are also to be elected nationwide today. Over 84million voters were registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for today’s elections and the governorship/house of assembly polls on March 9. But only 72.7m voters actually collected PVCs and are eligible to vote today. The elections were rescheduled about six hours before the opening of polls last Saturday by INEC,citing logistic problems across the nation. Its action drew flak from the generality of Nigerians, particularly the two main parties locked in the presidential contest – APC and PDP. Politicians have been busy all week mobilising their supporters for a fresh go.

    The parties used Monday to Thursday to re-strategise and fill in gaps in their campaigns. The Federal Government approved the payment of salaries ahead of the 25th day of the month pay day “to enable voters travel”. Information and Culture Minister Lai Mohammed said in Abuja on Wednesday that the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Arik and Aero airlines had consented to slash their prices to cushion the economic effects of the polls postponement on voters.

    He said: “The National Union of Road Transport Workers, which has about two million members and who operate motor parks in all 774 local government areas of the country, an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) with members cutting across drivers, bus boys, motor parks operators etc, have offered to provide discounts to travellers using their motor parks and members who are looking to travel to their respective voting points. This discount is also to encourage voters who would have normally been disenfranchised as a result of INEC’s postponement. This discount is also valid between the 21st of February and the 25th February. “Arik and Aero airlines have also thrown in their own incentives.

    Aero contractors have offered 50 percent discount to all travellers who present their permanent voters card (PVC) at the purchasing point. Arik will be selling their one way ticket at N16,000 to any destination across the country. This is to support Nigerians looking to travel to cast their votes. The discount is valid between the 18th of February and the 11th of March. “On the part of the Federal Government also, we decided that to make it easy for those who will want to go back to vote, salary payment started yesterday (Tuesday) as opposed to the normal 25th of every month.

    This is just to ease the burden of people who want to go back and cast their vote.” The odds appear to remain in favour of Buhari with projections and poll experts tipping him to win the most votes in spite of the postponement. Buhari’s APC is in control of the four states with the largest concentration of registered voters :Lagos 6.8m,Kano 5.4m,Kaduna 3.9m and Katsina 3.2m.He is a cult hero in the Northwest with 20.1million voters, and Northeast with 11.2m voters. Poll projections suggest that in the Northeast the President will win in Bauchi,Borno,Gombe,Yobe, while Atiku is likely to win in Taraba. Adamawa where Atiku comes from is generally seen as a battleground between the two leading candidates, although many residents acknowledge Buhari as the brain behind the relative peace being enjoyed in the state now after many years of insecurity caused by Boko Haram. Most of the states in North Central – Kwara,Kogi,Plateau,Benue and Nasarawa- are regarded as battlegrounds but Buhari is tipped to win in Niger. The Northwest,especially Kano with its enormous votes ,has always been Buhari’s comfort zone .His home state – Katsina, Sokoto,Kaduna,Kebbi,Zamfara and Jigawa are all considered safe for him.

    Same goes for the Southwest where the APC is in control of the six states in the zone: Lagos, Ekiti,Ogun,Ondo,Osun and Oyo. Atiku is projected to win in all the five Southeast states of Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo, although Buhari is tipped to receive more votes in the zone than he did in 2015. Most of the states in the South South are also projected to vote for Atiku.These are Bayelsa,Rivers,Delta and Cross River, while Edo and Akwa Ibom are likely to cast their lot with Buhari. Three weeks ago, the New York-based global research and political risk solutions firm, Eurasia Group,in a report projected that there is 60% probability that Buhari would win the presidential race.

    It said: “Opposition candidate Atiku Abubakar has regained some momentum in recent weeks, but President Muhammadu Buhari remains favoured to win (a 60% probability). “On election day, the ruling All Progressives Congress’s (APC’s) significantly greater control of local political structures and resources—it governs 23 states compared to the opposition’s 12—will boost voter mobilisation and solidify Buhari’s advantage. “Buhari’s suspension of the country’s chief justice on 25 January heightened anxiety over the possibility of a post-election crisis, but the episode does not change Eurasia Group’s view that widespread violence is unlikely.

    “Positive news coverage in recent weeks, along with Buhari’s controversial move to suspend Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen over allegations of corruption, have boosted Atiku’s campaign, but it is too late to change the electoral dynamics and Buhari remains favored to win on 16 February. “As we have previously noted, key actors in Atiku’s camp—including his campaign’s director general Bukola Saraki, key powerbroker Governor Nyesom Wike of the oil-rich Rivers state, and southeast governors from his People’s Democratic Party (PDP ) —had been disengaged from his election campaign.

    “ Wike was annoyed by Atiku’s failure to consult him on key decisions, Saraki remains distracted by a tough Senate reelection battle in Kwara state, and the southeast governors are hampered by many conflicting motivations, including their own lack of political clout (which makes them reluctant to overtly challenge the federal government) and their wariness of Atiku’s running mate Peter Obi, a former governor of the southeastern Anambra State who they view as a political outsider. “The lack of enthusiasm on the part of some PDP governors is a problem for Atiku because these officials control significant discretionary funds at the state

  • Army Chief: ballot box snatchers’ll be dealt with

    MILITARY officers with divided loyalty were yesterday ordered to resign.

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai said such officers should quit not later than tomorrow.

    Gen. Buratai spoke as the Army renewed its pledge to constituted authority, stressing that it will not disobey orders.

    Besides, it vowed to deal with “those who seek to undermine our democracy by interfering in our electoral process”.

    He said incitement against constituted authority will not be tolerated.

    Gen. Buratai, at a meeting with General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and selected Commanders at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, cautioned politicians against making inciting statements.

    The COAS spoke against the backdrop of the remarks by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and National Chairman Uche Secondus at the PDP 84th National Executive Council meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The party leaders counselled the military not to obey President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive that ballot box snatchers be severely dealt with as part of measures to sanitise the electoral process.

    Gen. Buratai said: “It is unfortunate to hear persons who are aspiring to rule this country again inciting the army to disobedience. We have consistently stated our position in the political dispensation to remain neutral and apolitical.

    “However, direct and public incitement of the military against democracy and constituted civil authority will not be tolerated. I request such persons to withdraw this inciting statement. Let me reemphasize loud and clear, that the Nigerian Army is a professional army.

    “The foundation of military professionalism is discipline and without discipline an army cannot stand. One of our core values is loyalty to constituted authority. Loyalty must be hundred per cent.  I shall leave you in no doubt as to our resolve to bequeath a professionally responsive army to Nigeria and Nigerians.

    “Should any officer or soldier have doubts as to his loyalty to the Nigerian State as presently constituted, such a person has up to February 22, 2019 to resign. There is no room for indiscipline or disobedience to lawful orders in the NA today.”

    Lt.-Gen. Buratai, who said the meeting was called to review matters arising as a result of the postponement of the general elections, noted that the shift has increased apprehension locally and internationally, especially on the safety of voters and electoral materials.

    The COAS said: “You are all welcome to this expanded weekly meeting which has in attendance, not only Principal Staff Officers and Directors, but also GOCs and selected field commanders.

    “You will all recall that just two weeks ago, we all met here for an Operations Conference that was held to strategise on the NA’s roles during the 2019 General Elections, which was earlier planned to commence from 16 Feb 19.

    “Unfortunately, the election did not hold as planned and has been postponed to hold on 23 Feb 19 and 9 Mar 19. This shift in date has necessitated a need to review some of the decisions taken at the last conference and also to reiterate some of the directives Passed to you in light of the postponement of the elections.

    “I wish to first remind all of you that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable. Hence, those who seek to undermine our democracy by interfering in our electoral process must be seen as enemies of Nigeria and dealt with appropriately.

    “Our role is aptly captured in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and we must defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity as well as act in aid of civil authority when called upon to do so.

    “Therefore, commanders must work with all stakeholders, interest groups and agencies to avert any act by any individual, groups or entities that seek to undermine our democratic process.

    “As expected, Nigerians have expressed general disappointment with the postponement of the elections. The postponement has also increased apprehension in the populace and the international community with regards to safety of voters and the electoral materials.

    “It is therefore vital that the NA, alongside other security agencies, rise up to the challenge of ensuring a peaceful outcome to this general election so as to give confidence to Nigerian citizens and to reassure the international community about our electoral process.

    “In light of this, I am pleased with the smooth activation of Op SAFE CONDUCT and the success of Op EGWU EKE III. In addition, the recent launching of the NA Situation Room for Elections Security Monitoring will also ensure we have real time feedback from the field.

    “As we engage in these operations, we must remember that the army remains apolitical to ensure that no negative aspersion is cast on the NA before, during or after the elections.”

    On what he expected of the Army on the rescheduled elections, Gen. Buratai said: “I want to remind all here present that the act of electoral thuggery, snatching of ballot boxes, illegal possession of elections materials and similar crimes are intended to mar an election and create deliberate avenues for post-election violence and mayhem.

    “Such actions can also become more damaging when they are widespread, leading to destruction of lives and properties. Incident of this nature in previous elections are often planned and orchestrated by politicians and the NA has hitherto been very cautious in its approach.

    “However, this time around, the NA will adopt a proactive posture that ensures that similar incident do not even arise. Accordingly, in addition to my earlier directives to you in the last Operations Conference, I wish to lay emphasis on the following actions that all commanders are to abide by.

    “Commanders must deal decisively with any electoral crime or action that would be inimical to National Security.

    “Commanders are to ensure that they and their personnel do not hobnob with politicians at any level. In this regard, there will be no military escort for any politician and all NA personnel are to stay clear of retired military officers, especially those who are now politicians, until after the elections.

    “Commanders are to conduct extensive patrols within their AORs (Area of Operations). They must ensure that all flash points within the area are dominated.

    “Commanders must in conjunction with the NPF enforce the restriction on movement within their AORs. All vehicles must be searched and suspicious persons or vehicles arrested/impounded and later hand over to the NPF.

    “Commanders must ensure they key into the NA Elections Security Monitoring Situation Room to send and receive near real-time information on events, as they occur in their AOR.

    “I have laid emphasis on these few points to remind everyone that these are delicate times and the NA must support Nigeria’s march towards enduring democracy. In the course of the conference, I will expect every one of you to comment on your preparations for the elections as it affects your various AORs.

    “Our role in support of democracy cannot be overemphasized; hence all hands must be on deck to ensure we have a successful outing for the next elections.”

  • The wages of rigging

    IF the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had got its act right, we would have put the presidential and National Assembly elections behind us by now. But things did not work out the way the electoral umpire envisaged. INEC had proposed that the presidential and National Assembly elections hold on February 16 and those of the governorship and House of Assembly on March 2. Man proposes, God disposes, so goes the saying. Things did not work out, according to INEC’s plan.

    Its Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, attended by some party leaders, presidential candidates, foreign and domestic observers, among others, was hard pressed explaining why he postponed the elections around 2 a.m., on Saturday, some six hours before the polls were to open nationwide. He insinuated that the commission’s efforts were sabotaged by unknown elements. How did he arrive at his sabotage theory?

    Hear him : “In a space of two weeks, we had to deal with serious fire incidents in three of our offices in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State; Qu’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State and the Anambra State headquarter in Awka”. Nobody expected the postponement of the general elections at that eleventh hour. The impression Yakubu created before his sudden volte face was that everything was going on well. He repeatedly assured the nation that INEC was on course. So, it came as a shock to his countrymen when he postponed the elections at the ungodly hour of two o’clock in the morning last Saturday. The polls will now hold on Saturday and March 9.

    The postponement was bound to happen, the only problem was that Yakubu, despite being the head of INEC, did not see the handwriting clearly on the wall as it stared him in the face. If he had moved swiftly to shift the polls when INEC’s facilities were gutted by fire, the nation may have seen reason with him. But he shot himself in the foot when he did so after he had assured the nation that neither the fires nor any other man-made disaster could stop the elections from holding as scheduled. He was resolute about holding the elections on the fixed date and time. This was why he was not ready to allow such a ‘small incident’ as fire which destroyed permanent voter cards (PVCs) and Smart Card Readers (SCRs) to stop him from going ahead with the exercise.

    No doubt, the Prof would have learnt one or two things about public administration and management from what happened. How free and fair will the elections, which he is so determined to conduct, be? Will those who see election rigging as part of the game allow the process to go smoothly? Our elections are acrimonious because of blatant rigging. Many politicians, whether in or out of office, engage in it. No matter how popular they may be, they feel that if they do not back it up with rigging, the other party may get the better of them at the polls.

    Elections are not supposed to be rigged. Candidates are expected to contest and win on the strength of their popularity. Unfortunately, popularity does not win elections in this clime, rigging does. Many would have perfected the art of rigging last Saturday’s elections before they were postponed. The postponement has given INEC a golden opportunity to tie loose ends. The commission is lucky as the postponement has borne a good seed. President Muhammadu Buhari, who is visibly angry over how INEC, “which got everything it required for the polls”, handled matters, has weighed in to warn those planning to rig.

    The President wants a free and fair election. This much, he said, at the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus meeting in Abuja on Monday to review the polls postponement. The way he spoke showed his state of mind about the deferred polls. It was a clear cut warning to all to allow the people’s vote count. If anybody does otherwise, he will be playing with fire, the President said.

    “Anybody who decides to snatch ballot boxes or lead thugs to disturb the process, may be that will be the last unlawful action you will take…So, I want to warn anybody who thinks he has enough influence in his locality to lead a body of thugs to snatch ballot boxes or disturb the voting system, he will do it at the expense of his life”. The President’s statement has created a storm, with some people tagging it “a licence to kill”. To me, it is not. He made the statement with good intentions. Are those criticising him, saying that ballot box snatchers should be allowed free rein? The President did not ask that riggers be summarily killed. No, he merely warned them about the consequences of their action.

    Put another way, are Buhari’s critics saying the people should turn a blind eye when they see ballot box snatchers at work? For long, the system has treated riggers  with kid gloves, thereby creating room for them to thrive. Thus, they will tell you confidently that without voting, their candidate would win. Our elections should no longer be decided on the dictate of ballot box snatchers and their masters. It is time to rise against them as the President said. Perhaps, this may be the beginning of the cleansing of our electoral process.

  • APC chieftain to U.S., UK, EU: solve your own problems first before helping us

    AN All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Yekini Nabena has asked the United States (U.S.) to concentrate on probing the alleged involvement of Russia in its 2016 presidential election instead of trying to dictate to Nigeria how to conduct its general election.

    Nabena also asked the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) to find ways of addressing the breakdown of the Brexit deal between them and many other serious challenges facing them.

    In a statement made available to The Nation in Abuja, Nabena reminded the western nations that they have enough already on their hands and therefore, their time and energy should be spent on the probe of alleged Russian interference in the immediate-past U.S. elections.

    He said: “In all elections conducted in the country, we have always welcomed local and foreign monitors and observers. In our view, this is a best practice and geared to ensure the transparency of our elections.

    “But comments on our election processes coming from some western diplomats and accredited foreign observer missions have been downright meddlesome and tantamount to interference.

    “Nigeria is a sovereign nation and such actions by these western countries negate the principles of international law, which outlaws interference in the domestic affairs of a sovereign nation by another country.

    “While the electioneering process might not be perfect as seen with the last-minute postponement of the general elections, we must all work together to make it better. Statements and actions by these western diplomats and accredited foreign observer missions that erode confidence in the elections are inexcusable and strongly condemned. As a country, we will always find local solutions to our local challenges whenever they arise.

    “The U.S., UK and EU have enough already on their hands. Their time and energy should be spent on the probe of alleged Russian interference in the immediate-past U.S. elections, the breakdown of the Brexit deal between the UK and EU and many other serious challenges they face.”

    He, however, condemned the last-minute postponement of the elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    He urged the INEC to correct the lapses, which led to the postponement to ensure hitch-free rescheduled elections on Saturday.

  • Death at rallies

    •Organisers and security agencies should pay more attention to crowd control

    CAMPAIGN rallies attended by large numbers of party supporters have always been a prominent feature of election seasons in Nigeria, just as is the case in all liberal democracies. Apart from providing a forum for parties and candidates to propagate their promises and plans to the public, as well as address issues they believe to be of interest to their audiences, campaign rallies also serve a critical psychological purpose for politicians. Political parties, rightly or wrongly, use the size of crowds at their rallies to gauge and project the extent of the support they enjoy in given constituencies.

    But the high number of avoidable deaths at various campaign rallies in the run-up to this year’s elections is most disturbing and all stakeholders, including political party leaders, party members and security agencies should take urgent steps to avoid future occurrences. This is particularly so as there will most likely be a flurry of campaign rallies across the country, as parties and candidates seek to optimally mobilise support for the March 9 governorship and House of Assembly elections in the states.

    One major cause of deaths at rallies during this campaign season has been overcrowding at venues. Nineteen people died at the Adokie Amesiamaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, last week, during the presidential campaign rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) when a stampede occurred at the end of the event. Overcrowding was also the cause of deaths when another eight APC members lost their lives at a campaign rally at the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo, Taraba State.

    This suggests that organisers of rallies need to be more mindful of the relationship between the size of the crowd being mobilised to attend and that of the venues. Parties in tandem with security agencies must also work out more efficient and effective crowd management and control strategies.

    Violent clashes between rival party groups at rallies have also been responsible for a number of deaths and serious injuries. The bloody confrontation between feuding factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), for instance, marred the flag-off of the Lagos State APC governorship campaign rally in Ikeja on January 8. Also, three persons were reported to have died when rival groups of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clashed outside the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano during the party’s presidential rally.

    No less disturbing was the violence that occurred during the APC presidential primary at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, last week. The onus is on security agencies to adequately secure venues of rallies, particularly by disallowing party supporters from carrying weapons or dangerous objects into such places. The prompt apprehension and arraignment before the law, of perpetrators of political violence will also be a disincentive for such behaviour.

    Another cause of deaths witnessed at rallies pursuant to this year’s elections are auto crashes involving members travelling to attend political rallies. For instance, six APC supporters lost their lives last month when the vehicle conveying them to Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, for a rally had an accident. In a similar vein, about five persons died, 14 critically injured and 49 sustained minor injuries in an auto crash when 83 members of the PDP were travelling for a rally in Sokoto State.

    It is important that parties organise their rallies in such a way that their supporters do not have to travel long distances to attend. The less centralised party rallies are, therefore, the more unnecessary it will be for party supporters to travel long distances, thereby reducing the possibility of road accidents. Party leaderships at various levels will also have to work closely with their members as well as security agencies to address issues of excessive consumption of alcohol and other intoxicants by some exuberant party members during rallies, which may contribute to road accidents and other avoidable tragedies before and after the event.

  • Election postponement: Remain peaceful in face of provocation, Atiku urges

    Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party and Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians to remain peaceful in the face of provocation occasioned by the postponed of the elections.

    He was reacting to the postponement of the elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

    In a statement he signed, Mr Atiku said the postponed was orchestrated by the President Muhammad Buhari administration.

    He, however, urged Nigerians not to be disillusioned but to come out and vote on the rescheduled date.

    The full statement below:

    Dear citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,

    As you know, the Independent National Electoral Commission has announced a postponement of the elections until 23 February and 9 March respectively.

    The Buhari administration has had more than enough time and money to prepare for these elections and the Nigerian people were poised and ready to perform their civic responsibility by voting in the elections earlier scheduled for Saturday, 16 February, 2019.

    Read also: Confusion trails general polls as INEC postpone election

    This postponement is obviously a case of the hand of Esau but the voice of Jacob. By instigating this postponement, the Buhari administration hopes to disenfranchise the Nigerian electorate in order to ensure that turn out is low on the rescheduled date. Nigerians must frustrate their plans by coming out in even greater numbers on Saturday, 23 February and Saturday, 9 March respectively.

    Knowing that the Nigerian people are determined to reject them, they are desperate and will do anything in their power to avoid their rejection by the Nigerian people.

    Their plan is to provoke the public, hoping for a negative reaction, and then use that as an excuse for further anti-democratic acts.

    As such, I call on all Nigerians to be patient. We have tolerated the maladministration of this government for four years. We can extend our tolerance a few more days and give them our verdict via our votes.

    Maintain the peace and be law abiding. Do not react to this provocation with anger, violence or any action that might be exploited by those who do not want this election to hold. Remain calm. We will overcome this. You can postpone an election, but you cannot postpone destiny.

    Please come out to vote on Saturday, 23 February and Saturday, 9 March respectively. Frustrate those who do not want this election to hold by coming out in very large numbers. That is the best antidote to their plans.

    May God bless you and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Why we postponed polls, by INEC

    After a marathon meeting which lasted about eight hours, the  Independent National Commission (INEC) in the early morning of Saturday announced postponement of the general elections.

    Consequently, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will come up next Saturday, 23rd February 2019 while the governorship and state Assembly election will now hold on 9th March, 2019.

    INEC had earlier scheduled today 16th February 2019 for the presidential and National Assembly, while the State elections were scheduled for 2nd March, 2019 before this latest decision by the commission.

    INEC hinged the postponement of the elections on logistic challenges.

    INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and the National Commissioners met with some observer for hours before reaching the decision.

    The announcement came barely few hours to the elections.

    Announcing the decision, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said it was a difficult decision to take.

    Yakubu however, said INEC will be meeting with stakeholders by 2pm today.

    He said: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) met on Friday 15th 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, 23” February 2019. Furthermore, the Govemorship, 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 2pm. on Saturday, l6lh February 2019 at the Abuja International Conference Centre.”

  • PDP rejects postponement

    The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus, has rejected the postponement of the general elections by one week.

    He claimed in a statement moment after the confirmation of the polls postponement that the alleged  shoddy arrangement for the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) was  a “deliberate pre-determined agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari to cling on to power even when it’s obvious to him that Nigerians want him out.”

    Secondus asked the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to resign.

    He also said the postponement was part of a grand design by the All Progressives Congress, (APC), to thwart the will of Nigerians at all cost.

    His words: “The PDP leader warns that the party will not accept anything short of a well- organized electoral process devoid of manipulation,   harassment and intimidation of voters and the opposition particularly members of the PDP.

    “Having failed in all their nefarious options to enable them cling on to power, the APC and the INEC came up with the idea of shifting election an action that is dangerous to our democracy and unacceptable.

    “The National Chairman said that the APC in connivance with the INEC have been trying all options including but not limited to burning down INEC offices in some states and destroying of electoral materials to create artificial problems upon which to stand for their dubious act.”

    The PDP chairman, in the statement signed by his chief spokesman, Ike Abonyi said, the PDP  was ” privy to all the pressures from the APC and the federal government to arm-twist the INEC, to dance to their new strategy after their earlier ones failed.

    He added:: “With several of their rigging options failing, they have to force INEC to agree to a shift in the election or a staggered election with flimsy excuses pre-manufactured for the purpose.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP sees this action as wicked and we are also aware of other dubious designs like the deployment of hooded security operatives who would be ruthless on the people ostensibly to scare them away.”

    He said that by the action of the President he has further demonstrated his insensitivity costing the huge cost after Nigerians including those who came home from abroad have all mobilized to their various constituencies.

    The National Chairman said his party had earlier raised the alarm about alleged rigging strategies by the APC including burning down of INEC offices and engineering crisis in PDP stronghold areas to scare away the people.

    Secondus said “the wicked killing of over 60 persons mostly women and children in Southern Kaduna on the eve of election is a copious ploy by the APC to frighten the people away from voting knowing too well that they were not going to record any vote from the area.

    “Recall that the Governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El Rufai had earlier threatened international election observers of going to their country in body bags and with the fatal violence in the state on the eve of  election, it’s clear what the motives are, to frighten the observers from the state so that he can carry out his nefarious acts.

    The National Chairman also drew the attention of all lovers of democracy to the statement of President Buhari in the international media that nobody can unseat him from office as an indication of what he wants to do.

    Secondus also regretted that President Buhari who made a promise at the signing of peace accord that the election will be conducted in a fair and transparent atmosphere  has gone ahead in breach of the peace agreements to send soldiers and other security agencies to arrest, harass and intimidate opponents in Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Kwara, Kano, Kaduna states.