The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has thrown its weight behind the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to postpone the 2015 general elections from February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11, urging Nigerians to respect the decision of the electoral body.
While noting the concerns and disappointment of Nigerians and all other stakeholders occasioned by the postponement, ECOWAS called on all political actors to respect the decision by INEC and accept it in good faith.
In a statement released in Abuja on Monday, ECOWAS challenged the security agencies to remain dedicated towards restoring normalcy in the North-East.
It also encouraged INEC to take advantage of the postponement to complete all pre-election arrangements, particularly the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, in order to ensure free and credible elections.
The regional body pledged its continued support for the electioneering process in Nigeria and stressed the need for the respect of the Constitution, encouraging all political stakeholders to refrain from utterances and speeches that may incite their supporters or opponents to violence.
It called on all Nigerians to abide by the democratic process and uphold the rule of law. “ECOWAS calls on all political actors to respect the decision by INEC and accept it in good faith,” the statement said.
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