The polls shift was announced by the Independent National Election
Commission (INEC) February 7, Saturday. As the news broke, many lamented
that it was an unfortunate development.
In particular, the opposition accused Goodluck Jonathan’s administration of plotting to rig the elections with the help of the postponement.
National Security Advisor (NSA) Sambo Dasuki assured Nigerians that the new dates, March 28 and April 11, were sharp and would not be shifted again.
Speaking on the issue, the former Head of State Buhari said that another postponement would amount to “a civilian and military coup”, Punch reports.
He made the alarming claim during the meeting with the first elected President of Malawi and Leader of the Commonwealth Election Observers Group, Dr. Bakili Muluzi.
The politician also pulled out from any election debate following the postponement. It should be recalled that the presidential debates scheduled for February 8 were shifted following the INEC’s decision.
“We told them about the change in the dates of elections and the constitutional limitations of INEC. That is the last card for INEC and they cannot delay the elections anymore. So, it is up to the government to facilitate a free, fair and credible election.
“If they fail to do that then, they will be indulging in a civilian and military coup because the constitution is very clear that certain days to the swearing in, there must be an election which will usher in a new government. So, there are no more excuses. INEC has given a document that they are ready for the election.
“They said they had trained their personnel, acquired equipment and have been distributing voter cards. But the security chiefs wrote INEC and demanded six more weeks.
“Okay, they have been given six weeks and that is the end of it. So we are getting ready for the election of March 28.
“Our enormous support has grown; we have visited 34 out of the 36 states in the country. It remains two states and Abuja and that will complete it. We are now conducting town hall meetings with interest groups, business people, the elite and youths. I appeal to our supporters to remain calm.”
Meantime President Jonathan in his yesterday’s message on Facebook once again urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid threats, following the postponement. GEJ’s piece caused an uproar among the users, with some praising and the others blasting the country leader.
In particular, the opposition accused Goodluck Jonathan’s administration of plotting to rig the elections with the help of the postponement.
National Security Advisor (NSA) Sambo Dasuki assured Nigerians that the new dates, March 28 and April 11, were sharp and would not be shifted again.
Speaking on the issue, the former Head of State Buhari said that another postponement would amount to “a civilian and military coup”, Punch reports.
He made the alarming claim during the meeting with the first elected President of Malawi and Leader of the Commonwealth Election Observers Group, Dr. Bakili Muluzi.
The politician also pulled out from any election debate following the postponement. It should be recalled that the presidential debates scheduled for February 8 were shifted following the INEC’s decision.
“We told them about the change in the dates of elections and the constitutional limitations of INEC. That is the last card for INEC and they cannot delay the elections anymore. So, it is up to the government to facilitate a free, fair and credible election.
“If they fail to do that then, they will be indulging in a civilian and military coup because the constitution is very clear that certain days to the swearing in, there must be an election which will usher in a new government. So, there are no more excuses. INEC has given a document that they are ready for the election.
“They said they had trained their personnel, acquired equipment and have been distributing voter cards. But the security chiefs wrote INEC and demanded six more weeks.
“Okay, they have been given six weeks and that is the end of it. So we are getting ready for the election of March 28.
“Our enormous support has grown; we have visited 34 out of the 36 states in the country. It remains two states and Abuja and that will complete it. We are now conducting town hall meetings with interest groups, business people, the elite and youths. I appeal to our supporters to remain calm.”
Meantime President Jonathan in his yesterday’s message on Facebook once again urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid threats, following the postponement. GEJ’s piece caused an uproar among the users, with some praising and the others blasting the country leader.
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