Jega should be given the benefit of the doubt -Shekarau

Shekarau said Nigerians should understand the situation INEC found itself in and bear with them.

He appealed to eligible voters to come out en-mass next election day to cast their votes as they did yesterday, saying the large turnout of people for the elections in the state was a demonstration of awareness among Nigerians.

Speaking in a television and radio broadcast, Shekarau also said going by the reasons advanced for the elections’ postponement, the commission had no option than to resort to that action.

The presidential candidate, who made the broadcast soon after the postponement of the elections, said INEC should keep to its words in addressing the shortfalls.

The commission, according to him, must ensure the safety of the ballot papers and other election materials so far released.

He said the safety of the materials is of great concern to all Nigerians because the materials have reached nook and crannies of the country.

“These are the materials kept in banks up to last day of the commencement, and now they are out; so INEC and security agencies must ensure that dubious characters do not temper with them”, he said.

The governor said shortage of materials at polling stations across the country is a serious issue and that, since the electoral body has promised to conduct credible elections, the lapses recorded should be rectified before the next elections for the credibility of the electoral body.