INEC AND THE ELECTION POSTPONEMENT OF 2019 GENERAL ELECTIONS.

The postponement of the general elections scheduled to hold today, 16^th of February 2019 has taken most Nigerians in a shock. Many have prepared for the elections. Everyone has been fully mobilized. Many schools both of the government and the private Schools have been shut down since on Wednesday as part of the preparations for the elections, basically to ensure the safety of students and workers in the schools alike. The President of the country, Muhammadu Buhari had made a national broadcast assuring the preparedness of the country and even of the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its readiness for the election.  Everything appeared set for the exercise. The international observers have also been fully mobilized. Peace Accord has been signed by all the presidential aspirants. The Nigerian Police has declared restriction of movements from 6am to 6pm today for the elections.

Like a thunderbolt from the blues, in spite of all assurances and preparedness, the Electoral Body suddenly began to meet late on Friday 15^th February and coming up with a decision culminating in the postponement of the election with one week. Though this is not the first time general elections are postponed in Nigeria, but that should not be a norm when it is avoidable.

In the build-up to the 2019 general elections, various instances of violence have been recorded in several parts of the country. For instance, some few days ago the lives of sixty-six innocent Nigerians were sent to their early graves by unknown gun men in Kaduna State. In Anambra and Imo States, INEC materials have been reportedly set ablaze. This includes the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and Card Readers. These are sensitive electoral materials.  There were other incidences of arson particularly of INEC materials. iNEC offices have suddenly turned to a harmattan zone where fire burns freely.

Earlier, the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised an alarm that some powerful forces are colluding with some other enemies of Nigeria to ensure that the elections are scuttled, likely paving way for an interim government. But I say the wishes of the evil people will never come to pass in Nigeria. Nigeria is bigger than any individual or a group. Nigeria is greater than any part of the country.

Much as I personally condemn the postponement in its entirety because I expected that INEC Research Team should have been able to figure out some of the possibilities for the eventual postponement, they may still have convincing points for the postponement. They cited logistics reasons for the postponement.  I wish to suggest to the electoral body to put all factors into consideration to ensure the full success of the February 23, general elections.

At present, there is mutual suspicion between the leading political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC ) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party( PDP). There is apprehension in the entire country, probable higher level of violence than before the postponement o the election. There might be more ruthlessness by political thugs as they may be used by politicians to ensure victory by all means. The Security of the nation should be stepped more than ever before.  But in all these Nigerian must survive.

In all, INEC must be fully responsible for whatever becomes the outcome of these elections, because all necessary support by the government, NGOs, international Community were given to this Body. Then why the sudden postponement?