Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, on Monday urged eligible voters in the state to exercise tolerance over the postponement of the general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, had, last Saturday, announced a change in the timetable of the exercise, citing the inability of the military to ensure the security of the elections due to insecurity in some parts of the North-East as the basis for the shift.
But the governor, who spoke while receiving some defectors in Benin, said that the development showed that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party was not ready for the May 29 handover date, even when Nigerians were set to cast their votes, adding that “they can’t postpone Christmas.”
Oshiomhole, who argued that presidential elections had taken place in countries with similar challenges, however, assured that the APC would continue to mobilise for more support, even from the opposition party, “so that Edo State will be 100 per cent for APC.”
He said, “Few days back, they called us for a meeting at the Council of States and we said they should go ahead and do the election. In any event, we are not the only country with security challenges. Even election is held in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“So whether they postpone the election or not, we won’t fight. They can’t postpone Christmas. I want to appeal to all of you; nobody should be angry because I know you were ready for Saturday’s election.
“Only a debtor thinks tomorrow is far.? If they like, let them keep coming up with issues. Elections will hold? APC is already in power by the grace of God. Don’t fight; make peace.”
The INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, had, last Saturday, announced a change in the timetable of the exercise, citing the inability of the military to ensure the security of the elections due to insecurity in some parts of the North-East as the basis for the shift.
But the governor, who spoke while receiving some defectors in Benin, said that the development showed that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party was not ready for the May 29 handover date, even when Nigerians were set to cast their votes, adding that “they can’t postpone Christmas.”
Oshiomhole, who argued that presidential elections had taken place in countries with similar challenges, however, assured that the APC would continue to mobilise for more support, even from the opposition party, “so that Edo State will be 100 per cent for APC.”
He said, “Few days back, they called us for a meeting at the Council of States and we said they should go ahead and do the election. In any event, we are not the only country with security challenges. Even election is held in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“So whether they postpone the election or not, we won’t fight. They can’t postpone Christmas. I want to appeal to all of you; nobody should be angry because I know you were ready for Saturday’s election.
“Only a debtor thinks tomorrow is far.? If they like, let them keep coming up with issues. Elections will hold? APC is already in power by the grace of God. Don’t fight; make peace.”
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