African States has urged Nigerians
to respect the postponement of the
presidential and legislative
elections from February 14 and 28
to March 28 and April 11, 2015 by
the Independent National Electoral
Commission, as a result of the
security challenges in the country.
While noting the concerns and
disappointment of Nigerians and
all other stakeholders occasioned by
the postponement, ECOWAS called
on all political actors to respect the
decision by INEC and accept it in
good faith.
The commission, in a statement in
Abuja on Monday, challenged the
security agencies to remain
dedicated towards restoring
normalcy in the North-East.
The regional body also encouraged
INEC to take advantage of the
postponement to complete all pre-
election arrangements, particularly
the distribution of Permanent Voter
Cards in order to ensure free and
credible elections.
While emphasizing its continued
support for the electioneering
process in Nigeria, the ECOWAS
underscored the need for the
respect of the Constitution.
It seized the opportunity to
encourage all political stakeholders
to refrain from any utterances and
speeches that may incite their
supporters or opponents to
violence.
It called on all Nigerians to abide
by the democratic process and
uphold the rule of law.
” ECOWAS calls on all political
actors to respect the decision by
INEC and accept it in good faith,”
the statement read.
