We’ll watch INEC closely, says Situation Room on poll shift

Clement Nwankwo, convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, says his organisation will continue to watch closely, the processes involved for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.

INEC had postponed the presidential and gubernatorial elections by one week (February 23rd and March 9 respectively), citing logistics challenge as reasons.

In a statement released in the aftermath of the postponement, Situation Room, an umbrella body comprising of several civil society organisations, expressed shock and disappointment.

He said the group would continue to keep an eye on the processes, especially so those sensitive materials already in the country are secure.

“INEC has a duty to be honest and transparent with Nigerians in the conduct of elections. That duty of honesty has been fundamentally breached, but we will continue to closely watch the process and will take needed step,” Nwankwo said.

“This development (postponement) casts a cloud of doubt on INEC’s credibility and competence in conducting the election, but there is no alternative to democratic elections and we will continue to work towards successful elections in the country.”

He acknowledged that the postponement had huge economic implications on Nigerians, but called on them not to give up, despite it.

“There is no doubt that this postponement has imposed unforeseen financial and logistics burden on political parties,candidates, businesses and indeed the generality of Nigerians. We sympathize with Nigerians and urge restraints in the face of this sad postponement,” he said.

“Nigerians should not give up… We urge all eligible voters to come out on February the 23rd, and cast their vote. Nigeria belongs to us all.”