Tinubu: Jonathan only wants ‘guaranteed victory’

Bola Tinubu, national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has dismissed the reason given for the postponement of the election, accusing Attahiru Jega, chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), of acting out a script.

He alleged that Jega was hiding under the guise of insecurity to safeguard the interest of the federal government.

“What happened Saturday was actually not a postponement due to security or logistical reasons. What happened was the by-product of overt political interference undermining the independence of the election management body, INEC,” he said in a statement.

“Jega said he hinged his decision on a purported letter stating that due to an impending offensive, the security agencies would not have the personnel to spare to adequately guard the polling areas in the northeastern states.

“It is nothing but a lie draped in a falsehood born by deceit. It was not done for the national good. It was the wrong thing done for the wrong reason by the wrong man.

“They have gone on an offensive already. However, the true offensive is not against Boko Haram. It is against the Nigerian people and our democracy.

“The date and importance of the election was well-publicised. Why did they wait till now? They waited because they were given marching orders by the president to delay the elections.

“President Jonathan has revealed that he only wants elections where the guaranty is that he shall win. His government has purposefully undermined the electoral process because he is not interested in a free, fair and honest electionwhere the outcome reflects the sovereign will of the people. He wants an elaborate coronation dressed in the garb of an election. The Nigerian people are too smart for this rude trick.”

Tinubu alleged that Jonathan opted for the postponement out of the fear of losing, saying that APC would emerge victorious at the poll.

He appealed to supporters of the party to remain calm but maintained that the delay had an untoward effect.

“The postponement has deeply wounded Nigerian democracy,” he said.

“While my party hoped to go into the election and win it that we may offer a new and honest deal to the people, this government continues to feed the people a raw deal.

“They will attempt more tricks before the six weeks is over but each time, they will be defeated by the power of our commitment to a new day in a new democratic Nigeria.

“Thus, we do not despair. I ask our supporters and Nigerians to remain calm and do everything to keep the peace. I ask you to renew your determination in the face of this insult to our democracy and common sense. It is inevitable that change shall come and we shall bring it fairly, democratically and peacefully.”