The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says its national commissioners are meeting to take a decision on the request of security agencies for the postponement of the Edo governorship election scheduled for Saturday.
Nick Dazang, INEC head of publicity, disclosed this to TheCable on Wednesday.
The Department of State Services (DSS) and the police had called for a postponement of the election, citing security concerns.
“The Nigeria police and the DSS wish to inform the general public that credible intelligence availed to the agencies indicate plans by insurgent/extremist elements to attack vulnerable communities and soft targets with high population during the forthcoming Sallah celebrations between 12 and 13 September, 2016. Edo state is among the states being earmarked for these planned attacks by the extremists elements,” Don Awunah, police spokesman, who read a statement on behalf of the agencies at a news conference, said.
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“It is in regard of this that we are appealing to INEC which has legal duty to regulate elections in the country to consider the need for possible postponement of the date of the election in Edo state in order to enable security agencies deal decisively with the envisaged terrorists threats.
“While the police/DSS remain mindful of the inconveniences this request may cause the various political stakeholders, it is our strong resolve that security agencies need not be distracted from ensuring a peaceful and secured Nigeria now and always.”
But speaking with TheCable, Dazang said that INEC was yet to take a decision on the request.
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“As of now, INEC has not taken a decision. The commission is still meeting. I’m sure in the next one or two hours we’ll have an idea,” he said.
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