How Buhari, DSS Forced Us To Manipulate Edo Elections – INEC Opens Up

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Thursday, September 8, agreed to move the Edo State governorship election by two weeks, following undue intimidation allegedly emanating from the President Muhammadu Buhari-led security forces.

The election which was earlier scheduled to hold on Saturday, September 10, is now to hold on Wednesday, September 28, following a security meeting held in Benin, the Edo State capital.

The Commission told Journalists during a press release at 8.00 pm in Benin, that the election was postponed following the recommendations of security agencies.

Recall, that the Nigerian Police and Department of State Services, DSS, had advised INEC to postpone the election, citing security concerns.

Speaking in a joint press conference by the two agencies on Wednesday, September 7, the Spokesperson of the police, Dan Awunah, said threats have been issued by some Boko Haram elements to attack residents during the election.

Awunah, said the threats were gathered through credible intelligence available to the agencies.

However, the Commission earlier said it will go ahead with the election, but bowed to pressure at the last minute, and rescheduled the poll.

In a press statement made available to Journalists in Benin City, the National Commissioner in charge of voters Education and Publicity, Soyebi Solomon, said the decision to postpone the election was reached at a security meeting held with security agencies on Thursday evening.

He‎ noted, that the Commission has successfully implemented 12 out of 14 conditions set for a successful election, but received an official communication from the police and DSS, drawing their attention on the need to postpone the election.

He said, “However, at about 6pm today, the Commission received official communication from the police and DSS, drawing its attention to the need to postpone the Edo governorship elections. Such postponement, the communication indicates is necessary, in view of threats of terrorists’ activities in Edo State and other States of the federation, during the election and over the Sallah period.

“‎The deployment of security personnel country wide, to secure lives and property, would over stretch their capacity to at the same time provide adequate security for the election.

“‎Consequently, the Commission notes the request of the security agencies, and considering the security implications of proceeding with the election, the safety of eligible voters, electoral officials, including ad-hoc staff and other stakeholders, has decided to reschedule the Edo governorship elections to Wednesday 28th September, 2016.

“The Commission enjoins all eligible voters in Edo State, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to be peaceful and law abiding.”