The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed the 2019 general elections. Chairman of the commission Mahmud Yakubu made this known in a press briefing held at about 2.40am this morning.
Live update: Press briefing by the Hon. Chairman INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu on #NigeriaDecides2019 elections https://t.co/S9ZTPbrBuK
— INEC Nigeria (@inecnigeria) February 16, 2019
A press statement was released shortly after
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
According to the Chairman
Following a careful review of its logistics and implementation plan, and its determination to conduct free fair and credible elections, the commission came to the conclusion that proceeding with the election as scheduled is no longer feasible.
He continued
Consequently, the commission has decided to reschedule the Presidential and National Assembly elections to Saturday 23rd February 2019. The governorship, state house of assembly and FCT elections earlier canceled are rescheduled to Saturday 9th March 2019.
Yakubu also stated that INEC would meet with key stakeholders to update them on the development at 2pm.