Nigeria's February Polls Postponed!

In order to ensure a peaceful and credible 2015 elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission- Nigeria has indefinitely postponed the much anticipated February Polls from February 14, to March 28, and April 11.

This was made known at a press briefing after the last meeting for the day between INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega,  and other top officials of the INEC, 
“The commission is concerned about the security of our ad-hoc staff, the young men and women of the NYSC and students of the tertiary education who constitute at least 600,000 young men and women that we will use in the election,” Jega said.

This decision is backed by section 26 (1) of the Electoral Act, as amended.

“Where a date has been appointed for the holding of an election and there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace is likely to occur if the election is proceeded with on that date or it is impossible to conduct an election as a result of natural disaster or other emergencies, the commission may postpone the election and shall in respect of the area or areas concerned appoint another day for the holding of the postponed election provided that such reason for the postponement is cogent and verifiable.”

It was revealed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had asked the INEC to go ahead with the February elections as scheduled, alleging that the presidency was pushing for a postponement because the PDP was not ready for the election. This was debunked by the Jega, as he reportedly said the commission was not forced by anybody to postpone the elections.