ECOWAS Monday said it has noted the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to respectively postpone the Presidential and National Legislative elections scheduled to hold on 14 February to 28 March 2015, and the Gubernatorial and State Legislative elections from 28 February to 11 April 2015 as a result of the security challenges.
The Commission while noting the concerns and disappointment of Nigerians and all other stakeholders occasioned by this postponement however, called on all political actors to respect the decision by INEC and accept it in good faith.
“ECOWAS calls on the Nigerian Security Services to remain dedicated towards restoring normalcy in the North East of Nigeria.
“ECOWAS encourages INEC to take advantage of the postponement to complete all pre-election arrangements, particularly the distribution of Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) in order to ensure free and credible elections.
“While emphasizing its continued support for the electioneering process in Nigeria, the ECOWAS underscores the need for the respect of the Constitution and seizes this opportunity to encourage all political stakeholders to refrain from any utterances and speeches that may incite their supporters or opponents to violence.
“ECOWAS calls on all Nigerians at this time to abide by the democratic process and uphold the rule of law,” a statement issued on Monday stated.
