David Mark Reacts To Postponement Of Elections

Nigeria’s Senate President David Mark has reacted to the postponement of the country’s general polls earlier scheduled for February 14.

Senate President, David Mark

Mark in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, said the postponement was necessary because it will calm the fears and tension accompanying the conduct of the 2015 general elections.

The senate president who urged Nigerians to put the country first before any partisan consideration stated that no matter the political divide, “we all must take the path of caution in order not to jeopardize the process towards a successful exercise in the Nigerian project.”


He also cautioned against the tensions trailing the shift in the conduct of the polls saying “it is a necessary step to avoid anarchy and chaos because of some shortcomings and insecurity fueling the already charged atmosphere.”

Mark further explained that to conduct a peaceful, free, fair and credible election that would meet international best practices, it unarguably demands that all stakeholders and participants be on the same page.

According to him, the election is a process that must be followed religiously, adding that any of the steps not taken or undermined could produce a questionable result.

“That is why, we must all be careful in what we do or say. I believe all Nigerians; both partisan and non-partisan are passionate and indeed desirous of a successful election for the good of our nation. We need not do anything that would aggravate or overheat the polity. We must do our utmost best and contribute positively towards successful elections. Let me remind those fanning the embers of disunity or beating the war drums to rethink because the country must first exist peacefully and prosperously before we can pursue or realize our political ambitions. Let us give peace a chance. Let us exercise restraint. Let us dutifully follow the laws and rules and make a success of the situation. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all the security operatives’ desire our support and cooperation. We must not castigate them or embark on any action likely to dampen their spirit. If not for anything, they deserve our commendation. All we expect from our foreign friends and supporters under this situation is understanding and genuine support to reach our destination and not attempt to join the fray of the confusion,” the statement read.

It would be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday February 7 postponed the country’s general elections to March 28 and April 11.

Meanwhile, there were a lot of opposition to the decision of the INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, as it was reported that 21 out of 37 resident electoral commissioners of the electoral commission rejected the proposition to shift the date of the polls initially scheduled for February 14 and 28.