ABUJA – The All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, described the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the February general elections as major setback in Nigeria’s democracy.This is contained in a statement signed by the APC Chairman, Chief John Oyegun in Abuja.
The statement quoted Oyegun as saying “we just heard in the news that INEC has decided to postpone the February general elections by six weeks.
“The postponement, INEC said, is based on advice by security chiefs that they cannot provide security for the elections nationwide because of commitment of its resources to fight insurgency in the North Eastern part of the country.
“This may constitute a setback for Nigeria’s democracy; our party will meet in an emergency session to study the implications.
“We want to appeal to Nigerians to remain calm and desist from violence.
“We want to assure all Nigerians that the APC will not abandon its commitment to change and will sustain the struggle to establish a new Nigeria.’’
INEC had on Saturday announced the rescheduling of the general elections from February 14 and February 28 to March 28 and April 11, 2015, citing advice from security agencies.
The Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, announced the new dates in a late night news conference in Abuja.
Jega said the Presidential and National Assembly elections earlier slated for February 14 would now hold on March 28, while governorship and House of Assembly polls previously scheduled for February 28 would now hold on April 11.