Habib Korede Jimoh, 24, Student, ATBU Bauchi
Why is INEC so concerned about the sequence in which the election will be held? Who is instigating them to do all these? The reality is that, the outcome of the Presidential election poll actually influences the outcome of other elections that come later. Nigerians should be wise enough not to fall victim of ‘electoral authoritarianism’, and Professor Yakubu should not compromise the democratization of the processes.
Considering how adamant the INEC chairman is, his motives are suspicious and his policies are not quite convincing. He should have focused on the processes that will make the election be easy, free, fair, participatory, and legitimate. I will be delighted if the presidential election should come last.
Ezekiel Titus, 45, Journalist, Bauchi
INEC must be allowed to work independently. Although the National Assembly has the power to amend laws, they should not do anything that will jeopardise the work or neutrality of the electoral body. Trying to alter the election sequence proposed by INEC, politicians wish to influence elections and retain their seats. The sequence has been altered once or twice since 1999, but that was when there was no ulterior motive attached to it. A lot is being hidden and people believe the National Assembly is not honest about it. So, I am totally against any decision to alter the election sequence. Let it just go as INEC proposes.
Nene Sandere, 38, NGO Worker, Bauchi
The INEC election schedule should not be altered. It should be left as it is. I wonder why politicians, especially members of National Assembly are afraid of the election schedule. Is it because they have not performed? They want their elections first so they will feel safe and decide who becomes what in subsequent elections. INEC must not allow them to sabotage its efforts to have a transparent and credible election in 2019. Nigerians have already seen where these people are heading to. It’s all about their interest and nothing more.
Sulaiman Mamuda, 35, Butcher, Bauchi
I will not support any alteration of the election schedule. All I know is that I will vote for whoever I want. INEC can be emasculated or blackmailed to alter the schedule, but Nigerians have their votes and they will vote for their choice at any time. So, changing the election schedule won’t protect a non-performing politician. It happened in the past during Obasanjo’s regime and it has not worked. We should just allow things to work so that we will not have any problem. Nigerians are only looking for credible people to vote for, not people who want to perpetuate themselves in power through the backdoor. To be honest, INEC should be advised against courting the anger of Nigerians. We have seen what happened in 2015 and people are ready to defend their votes, even more in 2019.
Bala Dankakara, 40, Politician, Bauchi
INEC should not be compelled to reschedule elections. They have done well regarding the election schedule and I think it is the best. The National Assembly should be fair in what they are doing. INEC’s decision should be final. As a politician I already understand what these people are up to. I am not against the decision per se, but let it be for the benefit of all, not for the selfish interest of some few power mongers. The election schedule should be left as it is. It is not about who will be elected first. Nigerians must be left to decide for themselves. Election is the only time Nigerians can decide for themselves.
Murjanatu Musa, 32, Journalist, Bauchi
I am comfortable with INEC’s election schedule. Why are some members of the National Assembly challenging it? Is INEC not supposed to be independent? Please INEC should be left alone on this. This is about democracy, not about the issue of funding or anything else. As a Nigerian, I believe that whoever performs will be re-elected, no matter how the election was scheduled. There are many elected representatives who are scared of having their election as scheduled by INEC because they know what will happen. So, they will hide under any facade to re-schedule elections.
Bala Blessing Shemiye, Student, ABU Zaria
If there’s going to be any election crisis, it usually starts during the presidential election. If we start with the presidential election and it there is unrest, it will obviously interrupt the others.
Okegbile Juliana Kemi, Student, University of Ibadan
