The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made a dramatic U-turn, announcing the postponement of Edo governorship election from Saturday, September 10 to Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
The National Commissioner in charge of voters Education and Publicity, Soyebi Solomon said the decision to postpone the election was reached at a security meeting held with security agencies on Thursday evening.
He noted that the commission has successfully implemented 12 out of 14 conditions set for a successful election but however received official communication from the police and DSS drawing their attention on the need to postpone the election.
He said, “However at about 6pm today the commission received official communication from the police and DSS drawing it’s attention to the need to postpone the Edo governorship elections. Such postponement the communication indicates is necessary in view of threats of terrorists activities in Edo State and other states of the federation during the election and over the Sallah period.
“The deployment of security personnel country wide to secure lives and property would over stretched their capacity to at the same time provide adequate security for the election.
“Consequently the commission notes the request of the security agencies and considering the security implications of proceeding with the election the safety of Eligable voters, electoral officials, including ad-hoc staff and other stakeholders has decided to reschedule the Edo governorship elections to Wednesday 28 September 2016.
“The commission enjoins all eligible voters in Edo State, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to be peaceful and law abiding
The Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS) had in a joint statement on Wednesday, enjoined INEC to postpone the election, citing security fears that some areas may be attacked.
The statement reads in part, “While election is important, the security agencies cannot allow the peace of the country to be disrupted, and we will continue to remain vigilant and ensure consolidation of the successes gained in the current counter-insurgency fight.
“ It is in regard of these that we are appealing to INEC which has the 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 terrorist 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.”
