UPDATED: BREAKING: INEC Shifts Presidential, Governorship Elections By 7-Days Each

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections slated for Saturday 16th February to 23rd February 2019.

The commission also postponed the governorship and State Assemblies elections slated for 2nd March 2019, to 9th March, 2019.

INEC’s chairman, Mahmood Yakubu who briefed newsmen of the outcome of its crucial meeting, said the decision was taken after a careful review of the plan for the exercise.

“Following a careful review of the implementation of its logistics and operational plan and the determination to conduct free, fair and credible elections, the commission came to the conclusion that proceeding with the elections as scheduled is no longer feasible,” he said.

“Consequently, the commission has decided to reschedule the Presidential and National Assembly Elections to Saturday, 23 February 2019.

“Furthermore, the Governorship, State House of Assembly and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections is rescheduled to Saturday 9th March 2019. This will afford the Commission the opportunity to address identified challenges in order to maintain the quality of our elections.

“This was a difficult decision for the Commission to take, but necessary for the successful delivery of the elections and the consolidation of our democracy.”