Nigeria Content Online

The decision of the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) to shift the parliamentary election in Ekiti State
to 26 April has drawn reactions from politicians across the state. The
politicians complained that the rescheduling of the polls will have serious implications
on their resources.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner of the state
Halilu Hussaini Pai told journalists yesterday that the decision to shift the
election was carried in consultation with all the political parties in the
state. Mr Pai, however, promised that the Commission will conduct free, fair,
credible and acceptable election at all times and called on the people not to
be disappointed in the electoral process.

However, the PDP candidate for Ekiti South
Federal Constituency 2, Femi Bamisile described the postponement as
embarrassing and constituting a financial burden to him.

Reactions

Although the candidate expressed confidence that
INEC is capable of conducting credible elections, he posited that the incessant
deferment of election may cause apathy among the electorate. “We could
understand that the INEC is having problems of logistics, and if this is what
the commission is out to correct, we are ready to cooperate,” he said. “But I
am not particularly happy about the postponement, because it has affected us
financially and morally.”

His Action Congress of Nigeria counterpart, Ife
Arowosoge also expressed disappointment with the incessant postponement, saying
it has caused psychological torture to all Nigerians.

“The postponement has dampened the morale of highly enthusiastic Nigerians,”
he said. “We call on the INEC Chairman to correct the electoral ills in the
overall interest of the nation.” He said.