In confirmation of the story earlier broken by AP today, the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, announced after 13-hour of meetings held separately with political parties, electoral commissioners and security agencies, that the election has been postponed till March 28 and April 11, 2015.
Chiefly, the decision was taken because there is breach of the peace as witnessed in the nation's north eastern region held captive by Boko Haram terrorist group.
Additionally, the commission is concerned about safety of its staff deploy to this region.
Additionally, Jega said the election is best postponed now in order to ensure political participation of the electorate in the four mostly affected northern states. Otherwise, the presidential election stands a high risk of not satisfying the constitutional provision of polling at least 25 percent of total votes cast, making it inconclusive.
However, the Boko Haram instability has raged for over five years. It is unrealistic to expect the situation to be controlled within six weeks for conduct of elections.
If the poll is shifted again in March, then a constitutional crisis looms because the 30 days' stipulation averring for the conduct of the election at least 30 days before a handover would not stand. This event would likely necessitate a shift in handover date or since President Jonathan's government technically terminates on May 29, facilitates the establishment of an interim government to fill the gap in the meantime.
