INEC Postpones 2019 General Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has postponed the 2019 General election billed to hold on February 16 and March 2 to February 23 and March 9, 2019.

This rescheduling of the polls, came in the early hours of Saturday, February 16, 2019 when millions of Nigeria had prepared to go cast their votes later in the day.

INEC in a statement signed by its chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu noted that, it was a difficult decision for the commission to take but necessary for the successful delivery of elections and consolidation of our democracy.

Read full statement read by the INEC Chairman

“The Independent National Electoral Commission met on Friday, 15 February 2019 and reviewed its preparation for the 2019 general elections scheduled for Saturday, February 16, and Saturday, March 2.

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

“Consequently, the commission has decided to reschedule the Presidential/National Assembly elections to Saturday, 23rd February 2019. Furthermore, the Governorship/State House of Assembly/Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections are 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 elections and consolidation of our democracy.

“The Commission will meet with key stakeholders to update them on this development at 2 P.M at the Abuja International Conference Centre.”