Afenifere Takes A Firm Position On Possible Postponement Of 2023 Elections By INEC

The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere appears to be one of the groups in Nigeria that will not take lightly the possible postponement of the forthcoming general election in the country.

The group has warned that any move by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to postpone the election date will be met with a stiff resistance.

The election is scheduled for February and March this year. However, INEC in a recent gathering in the UK has said that the problem of insecurity may force it to shift the election dates.

Speaking on the revelation through its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere warned that whoever may be thinking of postponing or altering the elections’ calendar should know that such a thing would not be accepted.

The group however, welcomed the assurance by the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed that the elections would hold in all parts of Nigeria.

It said, “But we feel that there is the need to let anyone thinking of postponement or cancellation of the elections know that such a thing is and will remain unacceptable, no matter the reason. We recall that in 2015, there was insecurity too to the extent that some local government areas, specifically in Borno State, were in the hands of Boko Haram terrorists. Yet, elections were held. There was also insecurity in 2019 and elections were not stopped.

“In Nigeria, there is often the tendency to fly a kite. Most of the time, such kites are on policies or steps that are usually not in the best interest of the Nigerian public. This is why it is very important to sound this note of warning without any ambiguity. This is why we are stating clearly that Nigerians are prepared for the elections just as the whole world is waiting for the elections. Nothing whatsoever should alter the schedule or cause postponement let alone cancellation”.

Afenifere noted that INEC had given its commitment to conduct the best elections in line with the demand of President Muhammadu Buhari.