Groups Condemn INEC Over Elections Postponement
The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), Human and Environmental Development
Agenda (HEDA) and the Election Observation Platform express disappointment and regret over
the last minute postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections earlier
scheduled for today, Saturday, 16th, February, 2019.
Despite repeated assurances of preparedness, the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) attributed the postponement to logistics and operational challenges. The
details were however not explained, neither was any apology tendered. We also note that these
challenges have continued to plague our elections over time and now constitute a threat to the
integrity of the electoral system. We cannot continue with the template of poor management of
logistics as a reason for postponing elections.
Having committed scarce resources to the observation process, the Platform and other
stakeholders were looking forward to successful elections.
To all our esteemed Election Observers across the country, partners and the media, we appreciate
your support and commitment towards TMG and HEDA’s effort in making Nigeria a better
nation.
We however, hope that INEC would resolve its logistics issues before the newly scheduled dates
for the elections as we urge Nigerians and friends of Nigeria not to be discouraged in exercising
their civic responsibility to elect the leaders of their choice to various political offices. We
further urge political parties to rise above partisan considerations and call on their members to
refrain from comments and actions that could jeopardize the successful conduct of the elections.
We appreciate the enthusiasm and interest that everyone has shown towards the elections,
particularly eminent Nigerian leaders who were carefully picked to assist in the realization of our
mandate to support processes which would contribute to the realization of free, fair and credible
elections.
TMG and HEDA will keep you updated on our next line of action with regards to the elections as
events unfold.
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