The National Democratic vanguard wishes to join
the call by some prominent Nigerians and civil society groups for a
postponement of the General elections scheduled to commence on February
14th 2015. There is no doubt that it is exclusively within the
constitutional powers of INEC to fix dates for elections, we are not
unaware that the same law gave the window opportunity for elections to be
conducted not earlier than 150 day or later than 30days to the expiration of
tenure of current administration.
As Nigerians who are on
the field and abreast with the existing realities in the country, we have come
to realize majority of eligible voters particularly in the Southern part of the
country are yet to receive their permanent voters card PVC despite all
assurances by the INEC.
It should also be noted
that it is constitutionally required that elections takes place in every part
of the country during a general election, as it is, there is no assurance
of peace in the troubled North Eastern region of the country and even
stakeholders in the region have called on INEC to consider a shift forward.
This was confirmed by the request by the Adamawa State Governor for
election to hold in April instead of earlier date of February.
With just 25days to the Presidential election, all indicators show that
the INEC is ill prepared as several Nigerians are already envisaging being
disenfranchised while there is no assurance that the Card readers that will
eventually be used for the election proper are yet to be completely procured by
the commission.
It is therefore our opinion that to have a successful election, INEC must
ensure that all registered eligible voters are given their PVCs and all factors
such as adequate provision of card readers, ballot needs for the physically
challenged and adequate security are properly addressed.
We therefore call on Nigerians to prevail on INEC to consider the
National interest above the ambition of individuals and political parties by
shifting forward, the forthcoming 2015 general elections in order to ensure
that all issues being raised are properly addressed to ensure a credible
election that will be acceptable to all.
Signed:
Kola
Salau
National Coordinator.
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