There are indications that the 2023 election might be postponed as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, recently raised the alarm over security concerns.
Yakubu, who was represented by the Chairman, Board of Electoral Institute, Abdullahi Zuru, at an event, noted that the forthcoming elections face a serious threat of cancellation if security across the country does not improve.
What the law says
Section 24, subsection two, of the 2022 Electoral Act stipulates that the electoral commission can postpone an election when there are concerns of breach of peace.
‘Where a date has been appointed for the holding of an election, and there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace is likely to occur if the election is proceeded with on that date or it is impossible to conduct the elections as a result of natural disasters or other emergencies, the commission may postpone the election’, it reads.
Despite the fact that INEC has cited security concerns as valid reasons for a postponement, the action, if implemented, could portray Nigeria as a country that cannot manage its affairs properly.
The electoral umpire altered general election dates in 2019, 2015, and 2011, with the 2015 polls postponed by two weeks.
Take action
The onus lies on the security agencies across the country to step up their game in ensuring that both INEC officials and citizens are protected during the election period.
PVC collection concerns
INEC earlier informed Nigerians that they could collect their PVCs from December 12, 2022, to January 22, 2023.
However, some citizens have reportedly lamented difficulties in collecting their PVCs.
A tweep, @Bdraugur, wrote, ‘It’s important for @inecnigeria to state what to expect for each process currently being carried out.
‘I get conflicting information whenever I visit their offices for PVC collection. My card is still not ready. I’ve been told we can collect up to a few days to the election’.
It’s important for @inecnigeria to state what to expect for each process currently being carried out. I get conflicting information whenever I visit their offices for PVC collection. My card is still not ready. I’ve been told we can collect up to a few days to the election.
— Brenin Draugur (@BDraugur) January 10, 2023
Another tweep, @ighosuakpo, said, ‘PVC collection in Oredo [Ward two] Edo [State], is not easy. The INEC coordinator there lacks initiative and creativity’.
PVC collection in Oredo ward 2 Edo state is not easy. The INEC coordinator there lacks initiative and creativity. Less than 150 PVC is given out on a daily bases for both fresh and relocation. At this rate many will beat the deadline for collection.
— ighosuakpo efegbaere (@ighosuakpo) January 10, 2023
As for this Twitter user, @ThinkNations, there is a need for INEC to extend the deadline for the PVC collection.
He wrote, ’12 days to end collection of PVC, yet we who registered for replacement of defaced PVC are yet to get our PVC because you [INEC] refused to print ours out. @inecnigeria please do better or extend the collection date’.
12 days to end collection of PVC, yet we who registered for replacement of defaced PVC are yet to get our PVC because you refused to print ours out. @inecnigeria please do better or extend the collection date.
— Osas Elvis I. (@ThinkNations) January 10, 2023
With INEC insisting on the 22 January deadline for the collection of PVCs, the commission must eliminate all the difficulties involved in the collection of the cards.
