Former Kaduna State Governor, Balarabe Musa, on Saturday expressed disappointment over the postponement of the general elections and argued that INEC was never prepared for the exercise in the first place.

INEC announced the postponement few hours to the kickoff of the February 16 presidential and National Assembly polls.

The chairman of the Commission, Mahmoud Yakubu, while announcing the postponement in Abuja, attributed the step to “overwhelming logistics and operational challenges”.

The commission fixed Feb. 23 and March 9 as new dates for the Presidential and National Assembly elections and, the Governorship and State Assembly polls respectively.

Mr Musa, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Kaduna on Saturday, said he was disappointed, but not surprised, at the development.

“I am not surprised because INEC was never ready for the exercise, given the level of its preparations,” he said.,

“INEC had serious funding challenges; what was appropriated to the commission by the National Assembly was not adequate and everyone knew it.

“We are not even sure if the approved amount was released to the electoral body by the Federal Government.

“The logistics and operational challenges are glaring. There are also serious security challenges that may affect the agency in the course of the elections.

“The security services are facing the same funding crises and most of them are living in fear.

“You can also see the serious challenges being faced by the Judiciary, who are supposed to play a major role in the election process,” Mr Musa said.

“So, I must say that I am disappointed, but, again, as I said, I am not surprised.

“I hope that all the stakeholders will take the necessary measures to help INEC address the issues before Feb, 23, the new date for the Presidential polls, because the President can only hand over power to an elected person.”

Mr Musa called on Nigerians to remain calm, while waiting for the new dates for the polls. (NAN)

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/313267-inec-was-never-prepared-for-2019-polls-balarabe-musa.html

INEC is under intense pressure it never imagined will pop up because the the desperation of the Buhari-led govt.

This is the only reaction that has been fair and made a lot of sense.

The NASS delayed funding approval for the elections.

But still why was INEC stubborn about postponing the election when there was already a favoring speculation.

They have themselves to blame .

This sounds sympathetic, however, DO NOT forget that INEC could have informed Nigerians 1 month ago that it had not received all funding or materials and it was not yet prepared and would need additional time. This is INCOMPETENCE on the INEC chairman, simple!

As an independent institution, if you’re silent because you’re afraid of being fired if you speak out, you have already failed!

Buhari would still lose..

nigeria- the country where the impossible becomes possible. people from other countries have started to make fun of us on social media. it is that bad

DLondonboiy:
Buhari would still lose..

It's not about Buhari, let's face the real issue here: The Executive has provided the fund for INEC and being an independent body should be held responsible for not properly carrying out its duty.

The one week postponement doesn't favor Buhari; it is not adding an extra week to his stay in Aso Rock as many ignoramuses have been erroneously saying. .

And, the INEC chairman has to make a serious apology to Nigerians.

Understatement.

Even Buhari is prepared for defeat and INEC delayed it.

INEC is confused because Buhari's government is interfering in the system.
Buhari's in-law or whatever Amina zakari is in charge of logistic and will continue to cause confusion until she is removed.