The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed the conduct of the governorship and state assembly elections scheduled for March 11 by one week. The new date for the elections is now March 18, 2023.
A Resident Electoral Commissioner from one of the states in the country, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the development.
The decision to postpone the elections was reportedly taken at a closed-door meeting held by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and his commissioners on Wednesday, March 8. The meeting, which started at 7 pm, was said to have been focused on the governorship election and attendants of the BVAS device from the presidential and national assembly elections.
While the reason for the postponement was not officially announced, it is believed to be due to logistical challenges faced by the commission, particularly in the area of distribution of election materials and BVAS reconfiguration.
The postponement comes amidst heightened tensions and concerns over the conduct of the elections, particularly after reports of violence and irregularities in the presidential and national assembly elections held on February 25.
However, INEC has assured Nigerians that it is committed to ensuring a free, fair, and credible election and has taken steps to address the challenges faced in the earlier elections.
Reacting to the news, some political parties expressed disappointment at the postponement, stating that it was a setback for their campaign efforts.
It remains to be seen how the postponement will affect the outcome of the governorship and state assembly elections, but INEC has assured Nigerians that it is committed to delivering a free, fair, and credible election.
