Presidential candidate of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) Gen Muhammadu Buhari has said the postponement of the general elections was a crude and fraudulent attempt to subvert the electoral process.
However, he warned that his party would not tolerate any further interference with the electoral process, stressing that “The rescheduled elections of March 28th and April 11th, 2015 must be sacrosanct.”
The election was billed for Saturday but the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) shifted it by six weeks because the military said troops would not be available for election duties due to the fight against insurgency in the North East.
Addressing a press conference yesterday, Gen Buhari urged his supporters not to fall into the trap of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party of poll shift by resorting to violence.
He said Nigerians should remain calm and resolute in the face of PDP’s provocation, adding that the must continue to have faith in the entire democratic process, no matter the provocation.
“I wish to appeal for utmost restraint and calm by all Nigerians, especially the teeming supporters of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“This postponement, which comes on the heels of the bogey of the National Security Adviser that half of the registered voters were being disenfranchised, was exposed as a crude and fraudulent attempt to subvert the electoral 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.
“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,” he said.
He said as a Nigerian and a presidential candidate in the elections, he shared in the disappointment and frustration of many Nigerians occasioned by the polls shift.
He added: “This postponement coming a week to the first election has raised so many questions, many of which shall be asked in the days ahead.”
Buhari, however, advised supporters not to be tempted into taking actions that could further endanger the democratic process.
He noted that Nigeria was going through a difficult time in the hands of terrorists and that any act of violence could only complicate the security challenges and provide further justification to those who would want to exploit every situation to frustrate the democratic process “in the face of certain defeat at the polls.”
If anything, he said, the delay should strengthen the resolve and commitment to rescue Nigeria from the current economic and social collapse.
“Our desire for change must surpass their desperation to hold on to power at all cost.
“We are clearly dealing with people who feel they can get away with placing their personal interest over those of our nation and its citizens.
“What is at stake is the very survival of our country. We must not allow this temporary delay to abort this great opportunity.
“While I share in the pains and frustrations of my fellow citizens over this development, my deep faith in the democratic process assures me that this country, with your support, will overcome.”
“Our trust can only serve to encourage the electoral body to remain steadfast and remain committed to the rule of law.
“Nigeria is definitely greater than any of us, and much more important than our individual ambitions. Before us there was Nigeria, and long after we are gone there will still be Nigeria.
“Let us continue to do our part to make it the great country that it should be. We must rescue our dear country. God being on our side, we shall salvage Nigeria together,” he said.
INEC, govt playing their last card
Answering questions later, General Buhari said delaying the election by six weeks was the last card INEC and the government would play because elections must be held at least 30 days before May 29.
“So, this is INEC and the government’s last card. We don’t know the type of government they want to bring, whether a military government or a civilian government. But an elected government must be in place 30 days before May 29 this year.”
He said the opposition and all Nigerians would not tolerate any further interference because it would be unconstitutional to shift the elections again.
He lamented that despite the assurances given by INEC about its preparedness for the elections it was forced to postpone the elections at the eleventh hour.
“I am a member of the National Council of States and INEC gave us a comprehensive plan of their readiness to go ahead with the elections. INEC is the body that will organise and conduct elections in this country. It is up to the government to secure INEC.
“But with the military we have, if for five years, the Nigerian military cannot secure 14 local governments, 10 in Borno, two in Yobe and two in Adamawa out of 774 local governments in this country, does that mean it is a delay tactics? What they couldn’t do in six years, can they do it in six weeks? INEC had played its last card,” he added.
Buhari stressed that in the present circumstance, it was up to the government to empower the military to make sure that INEC and the constituents feel secured enough to go and vote.
“So, the federal government has to secure this country on the 28th of March and 11th of April respectively for the elections to take place. Otherwise, whatever they do is going to be unconstitutional and it is up to Nigerians to accept or reject it.
“We have not lost hope because we are still acting within the Nigerian constitution. That is why by this address, we are sending the message across to the government and its institutions that they must respect the Nigerian constitution because that is what put them there. If they don’t respect this constitution, they have no reason to be there,” Buhari said.
