New details emerging from the outcome of the meeting between the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Senate indicate that Jega is unsure if the March 28 election will hold.
According to Premium Times, Atahiru Jega at a meeting with Senators on February 18, Wednesday, could not guarantee that the 2015 general elections will hold on rescheduled dates in March and April.
The INEC Chairman said the electoral commission could not guarantee aspects of the poll that are beyond its control.
This revelation by Jega may heat up the polity even more, as the All Progressive Congress (APC) continues to raise fears that the presidency may be planning another poll shift.
Under the Nigerian law, a further six-week extension of the elections is possible, a prospect which has been opposed by many Nigerians and the international community.
This uncertainty has lead to many seeking a guarantee by the electoral body that the elections will hold on the rescheduled dates in March and April.
But while responding to a question by George Akume, Senate Minority Leader, on the sanctity of the new dates, Mr. Jega said it was difficult for him to respond, saying he could only give assurances over aspects within the control of INEC.
He refused to commit himself to the “sanctity” of March 28 and April 11 dates for the rescheduled general elections.
Also at the meeting, Jega revealed that the commission won’t be repealing the decision to use Card Readers for this year’s polls. He said that his commission did not go outside of the law with the introductions of these card readers.
Recall that the Senate summoned Mr Attahiru Jega over the postponement of the country’s general elections. The Senate sought a clarification over the postponement of the poll.
According to Premium Times, Atahiru Jega at a meeting with Senators on February 18, Wednesday, could not guarantee that the 2015 general elections will hold on rescheduled dates in March and April.
The INEC Chairman said the electoral commission could not guarantee aspects of the poll that are beyond its control.
This revelation by Jega may heat up the polity even more, as the All Progressive Congress (APC) continues to raise fears that the presidency may be planning another poll shift.
Under the Nigerian law, a further six-week extension of the elections is possible, a prospect which has been opposed by many Nigerians and the international community.
This uncertainty has lead to many seeking a guarantee by the electoral body that the elections will hold on the rescheduled dates in March and April.
But while responding to a question by George Akume, Senate Minority Leader, on the sanctity of the new dates, Mr. Jega said it was difficult for him to respond, saying he could only give assurances over aspects within the control of INEC.
He refused to commit himself to the “sanctity” of March 28 and April 11 dates for the rescheduled general elections.
Also at the meeting, Jega revealed that the commission won’t be repealing the decision to use Card Readers for this year’s polls. He said that his commission did not go outside of the law with the introductions of these card readers.
Recall that the Senate summoned Mr Attahiru Jega over the postponement of the country’s general elections. The Senate sought a clarification over the postponement of the poll.
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