IPAC urges INEC to shift polls in Borno by six months

THE Borno State chapter of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on Thursday called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to “postpone and extend” the forthcoming general elections to September 26, 2015 in the state, because of seven un-resolved issues and insecurity for it to conduct a free, fair and credible elections in the state.

Borno’s polls shift, according to IPAC executives Thursday, will enable INEC resolve the myriads of problems related to distribution of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), personal insecurity of opposition party officials, smart card readers, vandalisation of party facilities, indecent activities of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), IDPs;  and persistent activities of thugs in Maiduguri metropolis.

Addressing a news conference at its Baga road secretariat complex, Chairman of IPAC, Comrade Babagana K. Musa feared that because of the seven un-resolved election issues on conducting free, fair and credible elections in Borno Sate, the National Assembly has to pass a resolution for INEC to shift polls in the state by six months.”

The shift, according to Musa, will enable the listed problems of election conduct be resolved by INEC and security agencies amicably; without resorting to massive “violence and intimidations” that may cause the loss of many lives and property in Borno State.