Encomium
Mixed reactions have continued to trail the just postponed general elections by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) which was earlier slated for February 14 and 28, 2015 respectively.
The elections which have been rescheduled to hold on March 28 and April 11, 2015, has become a front burner of public discourse as politicians remain divided over the choice of new dates.
The gubernatorial candidate of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), in Ogun State, Prince Rotimi Paseda has condemned the reschedule of this year’s general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying the action will give room for insinuations.
He made his position known in Sagamu, Sagamu local government area of the state while speaking with journalists shortly after he was installed the Garkuwa Hausawa by the Council of Hausa Chiefs in Ogun State.
According to Paseda, INEC should have allowed the elections to hold as scheduled, stressing that whatever lapses noticed would then be worked upon for correction.
“The position of UPN is the same across the country. We frown at this postponement because it is uncalled for. We believe the elections should have held. Postponing the elections will only give room for insinuations and innuendos.”
He, however, said INEC deserves some credit but achieving 100 percent success may not be possible. He further stated that what the commission should do is continuous improvement on its effort.
On the other hand, the governorship and the Ogun East Senatorial candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Mr. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka and Prince Buruji Kashamu, have said they are satisfied with the postponement, adding that their party, PDP is fully ready to win the elections.
Both of them spoke at two separate rallies held in Abigi, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area and Ife, in Ijebu East Local Government Area.
The candidates, who were received by a huge crowd of enthusiastic party faithful and supporters, assured the people of effective representation and running a government with human face.
The duo, if not for ulterior motive, the opposition who are now crying wolf over the development should appreciate the steps taken by INEC rather chastise the organisation.
They argued that going ahead to conduct the elections with the former dates will disenfranchise millions of Nigerians which is not good for democracy.
Also speaking over the development, the PDP state Chairman, Engr. Bayo Dayo described the shift as a welcome development.
Bayo Dayo said the election postponement will allow millions of Nigerians who were yet to collect their PVCs due to some irregularities in its distribution to do so.
– DAYO RUFAI
