Why we postponed Election  Full text of Inec chairman speech 

 

 

16FEB

INEC Chair

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) met on Friday 15th of February 2019 and reviewed its preparations for the 2019 general elections scheduled for Saturday 16 February 2019 and Saturday 2nd March 2019.

 

Following a careful review of the implementation of its logistics and operational plan on the determination and operational plan to conduct free, fair and credible elections, the commission came to the conclusion that proceeding with the elections as scheduled is no longer feasible.

 

Consequently the commission has decided to reschedule the Presidential and the National Assembly elections to Saturday 23rd February 2019. Furthermore the governorship, state House of Assembly and the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections are rescheduled to Saturday 9th March 2019.

 

This will afford the commission the opportunity to address, identify challenges in order to maintain the quality of our elections.

 

This was a difficult decision for the commission to take but necessary for the successful delivery of election and consolidation of our democracy.

 

The commission will meet with key stakeholders to update them on this development at 2pm on Saturday 16th February 2019 at the Abuja International Conference Centre.

 

Thank you very much.