Polls’ shift a setback to democracy, says APC

THE All Progressives Congress (APC), on Sunday, described the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the February general elections as major setback in Nigeria’s democracy.

This is contained in a statement signed by the APC Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, in Abuja.

The statement quoted Odigie-Oyegun as saying “we just heard in the news that INEC has decided to postpone the February general elections by six weeks.

“The postponement, INEC says, is based on advice by security chiefs that they cannot provide security for the elections nationwide because of commitment of its resources to fight insurgency in the North Eastern part of the country.

“This may constitute a setback for Nigeria’s democracy; our party will meet in an emergency session to study the implications.

“We want to appeal to Nigerians to remain calm and desist from violence.

“We want to assure all Nigerians that the APC will not abandon its commitment to change and will sustain the struggle to establish a new Nigeria.’’

INEC had on Saturday announced the rescheduling of the general elections from Feb. 14 and Feb. 28 to March 28 and April 11, 2015, citing advice from security agencies.

The Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, announced the new dates in a late night news conference in Abuja.

Jega said the Presidential and National Assembly elections earlier slated for Feb. 14 would now hold on March 28, while governorship and House of Assembly polls previously scheduled for Feb. 28 would now hold on April 11. (NAN)