The Labour Party governorship candidate in kwara state, Comrade Issa Aremu mni has reacted to the postponement of the general elections by the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, saying the rescheduling of the elections was accompanied with mix feelings.
Comrade Aremu said the decision of the umpire to refix 23rd February and 9th March 2019 for the much awaited elections came as a surprise and disappointment for all labour party candidates and members who are ready to exercise their democratic rights but could not do so.
Aremu however said he received the news of postponement with some optimism that INEC has another one week to put the proper arrangements in order for free and fair elections.
“It is certainly unacceptable that some voting materials are not ready after four years of preparations. It is also embarrassing that the postponement came so late in the day with all the attendant costs for poor voters who had to travel to and fro to vote.
“There was enough notification for 2015 postponement based on security reasons. INEC is right that the postponement is “one difficult decision”, but it is even more challenging for the electorate and candidates alike who woke up for no voting show.
He called on all key stakeholders to bear with INEC for successful polls next week, adding that better late than never.
“All is well that ends well in the consolidation of Nigerian Democratic process. This is the 6th Democratic transitions since 1999. Labour Party is confident that this transition will be as successful as the past despite the challenges” he said.
“While we await further details after INEC meeting with key stakeholders to update them on this development at 2p.m. today Saturday, 16th February 2019, Labour Party is ready and willing to partner with INEC for successful rescheduled Presidential and National Assembly Elections on 23rd February 2019, the Governorship, State House of Assembly and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections on the 9th March 2019” he pledged.
Comrade Aremu therefore called on INEC to as a matter of priority improve on its corporate governance by sticking to its rescheduled time tables in order to sustain confidence it has commendably engendered so far in the preparations for the 2019 general elections.
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