Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has condemned the the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) decision to postpone the Presidential/National Assembly and Gubernatorial/House of Assembly Elections.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, addressing reporters at the press centre of the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Saturday said that the polls would not go on as planned due to some challenges encountered by the commission.
He explained that the decision to postpone the 2019 election followed a careful review of the implementation of the logistics and operational plans put in place for the exercise.
Reacting, Situation room lamented over the current development, relating it to the unpreparedness by INEC.
Describing the development as a disappointment to Nigerians, it said the postponement done by INEC shows inadequacy in the deployment of materials for the polls.
This was stated in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre and Convener, Clement Nwankwo, in Abuja in the early hours of Saturday.
The statement read, “Against the background of assurances given by INEC on its preparedness, this current situation comes to us as a disappointment.
“Situation Room calls on INEC to be upfront, truthful and transparent with the Nigerian people with respect to the challenges they are facing that may affect the polls.
“The Situation Room wishes to state categorically that any assessment or decision by INEC regarding the polls or challenges with materials must be made with respect to the whole country and not in any way focused on some parts of the country.
“Any suggestion that the election be held in a staggered manner will be totally unacceptable and would be a recipe for a disastrous election.
“INEC owes it to Nigerians to provide clear explanation on why we are having conversations about deployment of materials in this late hour.
“The credibility of election depends not just on the efficiency of INEC to manage its processes but also in its ability to communicate honestly with the stakeholders.
“We call on all stakeholders especially the political parties to approach any challenge this process with patriotism and commitment to peaceful and legal resolution of conflicts.”
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