The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Attahiru Jega, said on Tuesday that presidential run-off would have led to crisis in the country.
He therefore said there was the need to amend the nation’s electoral laws, which he said provided for just seven days after the first election to hold a run-off.
Jega spoke during a dialogue session with Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room in Abuja, where he insisted that there were several lacuna in the amended Electoral Act.
He said this was why the incoming administration should not wait till 2019 general elections before reviewing the Electoral Act.
Jega said he was full of joy when the March 28 Presidential poll did not result into a run-off.
He said there was no way INEC could have successfully conducted the run-off within seven days as provided for in both the constitution and the Electoral Act.
He said, “I heaved a heavy sigh of relief when the election did not result in a run-off. That would have occasioned a big constitutional crisis.
“This is in view of the fact that the constitution only makes provision for seven days for such poll. You and I know that there was no way we would have been able to conduct a run-off within seven days.
“This is why I emphasise that amendments to the electoral laws should be done in good time. We could have further sanitised the electoral process if we had gotten some of the amendments we required in the Electoral Act.”
Meanwhile, Jega and over 60 Civil Society Organisations have disagreed on the credibility of the Rivers State governorship election.
While the CSOs, under the aegis of the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, said the elections in Rivers, Abia and Akwa Ibom States were “lacking in credibility and fraught with irregularities”, Jega said “there is no evidence before the commission as it relates to election irregularities in Rivers State.”
CSOs are warming their hearts to Buhati's presidency. they want to benefit. were there no irreguarities in Lagos, kaduna, kano etc? or is it because APC won?.when Okorocha'votes were recorded with result sheet from Sokoto Stste- s fellow APC state, thrre is no irregularity in the eyes of CSOs. better go and sleep and keep quite, mushroom CSOs and money mongers
ReplyDeleteWho ever said that the governorship election in akwa ibom is not transparent is very stupid because the outgoing governor Godswill akpabio of PDP performed very well so his candidate is expected to win
ReplyDeleteIf he performed well as you claimed, he should have bribed his way through the elections with professional thumb printers
DeleteHow come there is no disagreement about the elections in Kaduna, Lagos & a few other States where videos have even emerged of mass rigging? Or Oyo State were it is known that the Governor and his people had started thumb printing ballot sheets in the government house, the night before the election.
ReplyDeleteI think Orubebe was right. Jega is comprised and lacks the integrity he is is touted for having.
It is quite unfortunate that you are talking this way. Jega did his job very well and deserves much commendation and accolade. Pleasecommend him for a job well done. The elections have come and gone. If you are aggrieved with the outcome, please seek redress in the law court.
Deletethank you!!! let them seek redress in the law court and stop these bitterness of #lootingmustcontinue... learn from APC they are seeking redress in the law court for areas the did not agree. #bringbackourgirls
DeleteSame Jega conducted 2011 elections. You seem to have very short memory. Anything but clueless Jonothing. Don't u just get it.
DeleteJega compromised, he work with apc in kano especially children underage voted , it was all a stupid religious conspiracy that will not last. Terrorists
Delete@7:11 AM am sorry couldnt find any other word than to say u are a fool.sorry for that
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