The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has given the reason behind the last minute postponement of the general election.
INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu addressed reporters at the press center of the commission’s headquarters in Abuja after a meeting with the 12 National Commissioners of the commission.
He said the Presidential and National Assembly elections, initially scheduled to hold today has been postponed by a week to February 23rd while the Governorship and State House of Assembly will take place on March 9.
He said the decision to postpone the polls came after careful review of the implementation of the logistics put in place for the election.
He added that the postponement would afford the commission ample time to address the issues raised.
Read the full speech by the INEC Chairman below;
Ladies and gentlemen, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) met on Friday 15, February 2019, and reviewed its preparations for the 2019 general elections scheduled for Saturday, 16 February 2019, and Saturday 2 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 Governorship, State House of Assembly, and Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections are rescheduled to Saturday, 9 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 with key stakeholders to update them on this development at 2pm on Saturday, 16 February 2019, at the Abuja International Conference Centre.
Thank you very much.