Election postponement casts doubt on INEC’s credibility, competence – Situation Room

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room today said the postponement of election has casts cloud of doubt on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC’s) credibility and competence in conducting the election.

Situation Room, a coalition of over 70 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), said the development has created needless tension and confusion in the country.

The Convener of Situation Room, Clement Nwankwo while briefing journalists today in Abuja, called on INEC to immediately provide clear explanation to Nigerians and stakeholders on whatwent wrong and steps to be taken to ensure that this does not happen again.

“INEC must inform Nigerians what steps it is taking to hold persons responsible for this fiasco to account.

“INEC has an onerous task of reassuring Nigerians in the light of these unfortunate events especially with respect to transparency of polls, collation and enforcement of rules.

“The Commission needs to explain to Nigerians how they are able to address the extra financial and logistics burden that this has occasioned. Also the management and integrity of already distributed materials is key. INEC will need to explain how it will do this,” he said.

Nwankwo, who is also the Executive Director of Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) one of the CSOs that make up Situation Room, expressed disappointment and shock at the postponement of the polls in spite of the assurances by INEC that everything was ready for the elections.

He added that “There is no doubt that this postponement has imposed unforeseen financial and logistics burden on political parties, candidates, businesses and indeed the generality of Nigerians.

“We sympathize with Nigerians and urge restraints in the face of this sad postponement. We particularly call on political parties and candidates for election, to put Nigeria first and ensure that every grievance is channeled through appropriate quarters.”

He also said the Situation Room “condemn in the strongest terms the treatment of National Youth Corp members. The heart-breaking pictures of these brave young men and women sleeping in open fields without any arrangement for their security and safety is disappointing.

“We call on INEC and indeed all Nigerians to reach out to these youths and provide whatever support necessary to keep them fed and safe.”