The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed the general elections to 23rd of February 2019, while the governorship and state houses of assembly elections will take place on March 9.
According to the commission, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, announced the decision at a short press briefing at 2:44 am on Saturday morning.
He said, “Following a careful review of the implementation of its logistics and operational plan, and the determination 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 National Assembly elections to Saturday, 23 February 2019.
“Furthermore, the Governorship, State House of Assembly, and Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections are rescheduled to Saturday, 9 March 2019.”
Professor Mahmood Yakubu also said that the postponement will afford the commission the opportunity to address identified challenges in order to maintain the quality of the nation’s elections.
“This was a difficult decision for the commission to take but necessary for the successful delivery of the elections and the consolidation of our democracy,” he added.
