Elections: Be calm, Aare Gani Adams Urges Nigerians, Says Postponement a Big Slap To Nigeria

Nigerians have continued to react to the last minute postponement of the general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC).

Speaking against the backdrop of the sudden shift by the electoral umpire, Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has urged Nigerians to remain calm, saying the peace and unity of Nigeria is far beyond personal interests.

He said the decision to postpone the election at the last minute has a huge implication on the integrity of Nigeria, both in Africa and across the world, even as it affects the economy of the entire nation.

Adams, however, flayed INEC, saying the shift has raised questions about its level of preparedness.

” Report of the non availability of sensitive and non sensitive election materials in about 15 states has raised questions on the credibility and level of preparedness of the electoral body, and the leadership of INEC should remember the inglorious story of the June 12 annulment that eventually draw the nation backward.

“I want to say that the one week window occasioned by the postponement will determine a lot of things about the Nigerian future, and there should be no inconclusive election, no excuse, either head or tail election must hold”

Aare Adams said:”Every plan is as good as its implementation. Ordinarily, the timing for the postponement is wrong, it should have come at least, two weeks before the election, not two hours to the day of election. And like every other Nigerians that have been reacting, I want to say it categorically, that it is sad that the electoral umpire had to shift the date of the election barely a few hours into the election.

The biggest corruption is to rig an election. It is also frustrating that Nigerians gave up their livelihood. Businesses are put on hold across the country and Nigerians had to go through the same pain stocking assorted food stuffs, and staying at home just for them to cast their votes. But as a Nigerian who believe in peace and the unity of the country, I urge the INEC to prepare well and put its house in order for it to succeed in its duty to conduct free, fair and credible elections”, he said.

Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in a late night broadcast, cited logistic issues as some of the reasons for the postponement. He said, though, the decision was difficult; the new date will help to address all the relevant issues.

The Presidential and the National Assembly elections have been rescheduled to hold on Saturday, February 23 while the governorship and state House of Assembly will hold on Saturday March 9.