Nigerians woke up this morning to the news that the Presidential elections has been postponed. The announcement was made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu at about 3.00a.m. on the 16th of February 2019.
According to him, “Following a careful review of the implementation of its logistics and operational plan, and the determination to conduct free, fair, and credible elections, the commission came to the conclusion that proceeding with the elections as scheduled is no longer feasible.”
“Consequently, the commission has decided to reschedule the Presidential and National Assembly elections to Saturday, 23 February 2019. Furthermore, the Governorship, State House of Assembly, and Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections are rescheduled to Saturday, 9 March 2019.”
Breaking News: The #NigeriaDecides2019 Elections now to hold on; 23rd February, 2019 for Presidential and National Assembly while the Governorship, State House of Assembly and the FCT Area Council Elections is to hold on 9th March, 2019. pic.twitter.com/6zhvBLQe2a
— INEC Nigeria (@inecnigeria) February 16, 2019
However most Nigerians are not happy about this development as this seemed to have altered many plans. Here are some of the reactions on social media.
When our uncaring airlines postpone our flights & just tell us it’s for “operational reasons”, they at least pretend to “regret any inconveniences this may cause.” INEC couldn’t even be bothered to pretend that it regrets any inconveniences caused to us. Poor! #NigeeiaDecides2019
— Dr. Joe Abah (@DrJoeAbah) February 16, 2019
*6 months to #NigeriaDecides2019*
INEC: We're ready for this
*3 months*
INEC: We're ready
*1 month*
INEC: We're ready
*2 weeks*
INEC: Trust us, we're ok
*1 week*
INEC: Ready
*3 days*
INEC: Ready
*2 days*
INEC: Ready
*1 day*
INEC: Wait! We're not ready! Sorry
— Dr Ayo Sogunro (@ayosogunro) February 16, 2019
https://twitter.com/TosinOlugbenga/status/1096664072978866176
You don’t wait till hours before the polls – when millions of people were committed to it by traveling and making plans around – when you could have done same weeks and months before. I have exams on the 23rd for starters. Some probably have weddings. Flights. This is a MESS!
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) February 16, 2019
https://twitter.com/PaulCarsten/status/1096534656651022340
