PFN, Kebbi APC, PDP condemn postponement of elections, urge calm

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and Kebbi State chapters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have condemned last minute postponement of the February 16, 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

They, however, appealed to their supporters not to be discouraged over the development, urging them to remain calm in their respective domains.In separate statements issued by APC Chairman, Architect S. Kangiwa and PDP Spokesman, Ibrahim Omen yesterday in Birnin-Kebbi, they said they were shocked at the postponement by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu at 2am on elections day.

They argued that the development was even more worrisome in spite of earlier assurances to the electorate that the elections will hold. They urged their supporters to remain calm and continue to support their political parties.

“Some people have traveled to their villages with their families just to ensure that they vote during the polls. Now, some of them may not have the privilege to exercise their franchise because they cannot go back again,” Kangiwa added.Also, the PFN yesterday condemned postponement of the exercise, describing the development as a serious national embarrassment.

Its National President, Reverend Felix Omobude, said INEC has no acceptable excuses to offer Nigerians for its failure to conduct the elections as earlier scheduled, saying the commission had about four years to prepare for the exercise and yet it disappointed Nigerians.“It is very sad and disappointing for INEC to dash the hope of Nigerians to vote on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at the very last minute, after serious preparations and sacrifices made by Nigerians to exercise their franchise.

He, however, appealed to Nigerians not to be discouraged, but continue to hope for the best and be prepared to exercise their franchise on February 23, 2019 as rescheduled by INEC. Omobude also enjoined INEC and security agencies to be transparent in their operations to ensure free, fair, credible and peaceful elections in the country