Mixed reactions have continued to trail the postponement of the 2015 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
INEC chair, Professor Attahiru Jega, late on Saturday night announced the postponement of the elections earlier scheduled for February 14 and 28 by six weeks citing security reasons.
The polls will now hold on March 28 and April 11 respectively.
Speaking on the development with CITY VOICE on Monday, a cross section of Nigerians both lauded and condemned the postponement citing different reasons.
A student, Paul Okafor supported the postponement because it will give Nigerians that are yet to get their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) more time to do so. “It also creates an avenue to reduce the tension and violence going around,” he added.
A make-up artist, Miss Endurance, supported “the postponement because it means the Valentine’s Day is actually going to take place” while also giving people more time to decide the party they will vote for.
A lawyer who gave his name as Tega has no issues with the postponement as long as it allows INEC to get its acts together. According to him, “since everyone is expecting the best from INEC, and if postponing the election will give us the best, then there is no problem.”
He however urged INEC not to consider any more postponement after this because “the pressure among electorates is growing day by day.”
An engineer, Mr. Gbenga, told CITY VOICE there is something fishy about the postponement. He believes that the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) “is trying to buy itself time in order to influence the outcome of the election.” He is however certain that Nigerians are well enlightened and are ready to wait.
Mr. Akintayo Akindele, a real estate consultant said “the security and Boko¬¬ Haram issues our President hasn’t been able to solve in the last six years he has been in power, I just wonder how he’s planning to solve it within six weeks. Well, my fingers are crossed. Let’s wait and see.”
On her part, Miss Happiness Okon, a trader said, “It’s a good thing they postponed the election because we have to settle down first so we can see a good leader to lead us”
Mr. Abiodun Akinbile, an electrical engineering contractor, said “this is Nigeria and whatever the government says is final. I just pray God intervenes on our behalf.”
A barber who gave his name as Israel said, “Whether they postpone the election or not, all I know is who ever will win will win.”
Also speaking with CITY VOICE, Oluwatobi Samuel blamed the incompetence of INEC for the postponement, adding that the Presidency has also not covered itself in glory over the development.
He said, “It shows improper planning being made over four years with the collective interest of our nation not uppermost in the hearts of INEC, the Presidency, National Security Adviser and the service chiefs. It is either President Goodluck Jonathan is playing on our intelligence or the security chiefs are trying to pave way for the much touted Interim National Government which would take us back to the military era. I align with Barrister Femi Falana in telling Nigerians to beware of the Ides of March.”
