The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has expressed concern over
reports of delay in the distribution of election materials in several
parts of the country by the Independent National Electoral Commission,
which has now led to the postponement of the general elections.
It regretted that the reports reaching it indicated inadequacy in the deployment of materials for the polls.
Executive Director, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre and Convener,
Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Clement Nwankwo, stated these in a
statement in Abuja in the early hours of Saturday.
He said, “Against the background of assurances given by INEC on its
preparedness, this current situation comes to us as a disappointment.
“Situation Room calls on INEC to be upfront, truthful and transparent
with the Nigerian people with respect to the challenges they are facing
that may affect the polls.
“The Situation Room wishes to state categorically that any assessment or
decision by INEC regarding the polls or challenges with materials must
be made with respect to the whole country and not in any way focused on
some parts of the country.
“Any suggestion that the election be held in a staggered manner will
be totally unacceptable and would be a recipe for a disastrous election.
INEC owes it to Nigerians to provide clear explanation on why we are
having conversations about deployment of materials in this late hour.
“The credibility of election depends not just on the efficiency of INEC
to manage its processes but also in its ability to communicate honestly
with the stakeholders.
“We call on all stakeholders especially the political parties to
approach any challenge this process throws up with patriotism and
commitment to peaceful and legal resolution of conflicts.”
