The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has rescheduled the 2015 elections to March 28 and April 11, following advice from security chiefs in the country.
Jega said the electoral body is ready to go ahead with the polls but the boko haram insurgency in the country neccessiated the postponement. He said, the Presidential and National Assembly elections billed for February 14 will now hold on March 28 while governorship and State House of Assembly elections will hold on April 11.
He said the six weeks window will also help the electoral body to perfect the strategies towards a peaceful, free and fair elections.
Below are some of the words from Jega responding to questions from press.
“We had done sufficient consultations with CSOs, RECs to ask opinion in order to reach this decision”- Jega
“I will not be distracted by calls for resignation, I will only resign if there are legitimate reasons”-Jega
“Instead of me to show bias and support one party over another in this job, I’ll rather resign”-Jega
If there are sufficient grounds for me to resign, I’ll resign but I assure that I will not resign”-Jega
“As I speak with you, I do not envisage any cost implication because of the rescheduling of elections”-Jega
“INEC states continuation of transfer of registration will not continue because of the implication”-Jega
“INEC hopes security will improve and states that INEC will conduct credible elections according to the provision of the law”- Jega
“We wish to call on all Nigerians to accept this in good faith to deepen democracy in our country Nigeria”-Jega
“We implore the security agency to stick to their promise and commitment made to INEC”- Jega
“We in INEC promise to deliver free, fair and credible elections”-Jega
“Gov and SOA has been rescheduled to April 11th”-Jega
“Consequently the Commission has rescheduled the elections, Pres, Sen and HOA has been moved to Mar 28″-Jega
Details later
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