The Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) has decided to postpone the
2015 General Elections.
INEC reached the decision at a stakeholders
meeting held today, February 7. INEC had earlier
announced that it would reach a final decision
today .
An official close to the commission told The
Associated Press that INEC had decided to
postpone the election for six weeks due to the
threat posed by Boko Haram.
The source added that the poll shift would allow
extra time for a newly constituted multinational
force to secure the North-East which is currently
being plagued by Boko Haram attacks.
It would also enable the commission continue
distribution of Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) to
citizens to prevent mass disenfranchisement.
INEC is expected to make an official
announcement of the postponement at a news
conference later in the day.
The initial call for the postponement of the polls
was made byNational Security Adviser, Sambo
Dasuki but it was voted against by the Council of
State .
US Secretary of State, John Kerry also warned
Nigeria against postponing the polls.
Story developing.
