2nd April, 2011
Logistics problems have forced Nigeria’s Independent Electoral Commission to postpone the National Assembly elections till Monday.
INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega made the announcement this afternoon, saying the non arrival of result sheets in many states has made the decision inevitable.
“It’s regrettable, it’s unfortunate. But what can we do? Man proposes, God disposes”. Jega said.
In all Nigeria’s former elections, it was the first time INEC would admit inadequacies and take appropriate steps to remedy them. In the past, the polls would have gone ahead, warts and all.
Earlier reports have indicated widespread problems, with accreditation not starting in many areas countrywide.
Jega told the press conference that it was not possible to proceed with the polls.
“We cannot say there are no problems. We cannot proceed if there are no election result sheets. We take responsibility for all that”, said Jega.
He said the decision has been communicated to all the resident electoral commissioners in the states.
Jega also restated the desire of INEC to conduct a free and fair election. He said Nigeria is capable of doing so.
