2015 Elections: The Independence Of INEC Has Been Gravely Compromised, Says Buhari

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Maj. Gen Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), on sunday said that the whole process that led to INEC being forced to shift the general elections in Nigeria by six-weeks has been exposed as a crude and fraudulent attempt to subvert the electoral process.

He said, "Following the decision by INEC to postpone the 2015 general elections by six weeks, I wish to appeal for utmost restraint and calm by all Nigerians, especially the teeming supporters of our great party, the APC.

"This postponement, which comes on the heels of the bogey of the NSA that half of the registered voters were being disenfranchised, was exposed as a crude and fraudulent attempt to subvert the electoral process.

Buhari, who admitted to the feelings of disappointment and frustration by the very actions of INEC, however cautioned his supporters to remain calm and not take actions that would further endanger and hit up the polity.

"As a Nigerian and a presidential candidate in the elections, I share in the disappointment and frustration of this decision. This postponement, coming a week to the first election, has raised so many questions, many of which shall be asked in the days ahead. However, we must not allow ourselves to be tempted into taking actions that could further endanger the democratic process.

"The PDP administration has now engineered a postponement using the threat that security will not be guaranteed across the length and breadth of Nigeria because of military engagement in some states in the North-East.

Buhari noted that a possible implication of the decision by INEC to shift general elections is that the independence of INEC has been gravely compromised.

He said, "It is important to note that although INEC acted within its constitutional powers, it is clear that it has been boxed into a situation where it has had to bow to pressure. Thus, the independence of INEC has been gravely compromised."

"Our country is going through a difficult time in the hands of terrorists. Any act of violence can only complicate the security challenges in the country and provide further justification for those who would want to exploit every situation to frustrate the democratic process in the face of certain defeat at the polls.

"If anything, this postponement should strengthen our resolve and commitment to rescue our country from the current economic and social collapse from this desperate band. Our desire for change must surpass their desperation to hold on to power at all cost."

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