ABUJA – The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) on Thursday commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the timely release of notice on 2015 general elections.
Mr Osita Okechukwu, the National Publicity Secretary of the conference, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the early notice was in line with Nigeria’s Constitution and the Electoral Act as amended.
Okechukwu, therefore, advised INEC to be sure of its target, to ensure that quality materials and trust-worthy personnel were deployed for the elections.
“If the INEC knows that it is going to use card reader machines for these critical and sensitive elections come 2015, it should ensure that the machines are sourced from the best manufacturers,’’ Okechukwu said.
He urged the commission to fulfill its promises of conducting free, fair and credible elections by 2015.
Other political parties also commended INEC for not changing the elections timetable earlier released by the commission.
The Chairman of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Dr Frederick Fasehun, told NAN that the notice was constitutional.
“It is an indication that the commission and the country are really planning for the elections.
“Many people are already waiting to see their candidates and the candidates that political parties will produce for various elections at all levels.
“I think the notice is informational and useful.’’
The chairman, however, advised INEC not to introduce controversial policy and principle as the elections drew closer.
Mr Agbo Major, the National Secretary of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), said it was an indication that the general elections were going to hold in 2015.
“Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega has at several occasions, even at the last meeting of the commission with all political parties on Tuesday, said that the commission is preparing for the elections,’’ he said.
Major expressed optimism that the elections were going to be peaceful, in spite of the security challenges facing the country. [eap_ad_1] “Some people have also prophesised that Nigeria is going to split by 2015, but to me I believe the country has come to stay.
“In spite of the security challenge in the North East, the election is going to be peaceful and Nigerians will come out to cast their votes on election days.
“Even in the North East, peace is gradually returning to the affected states. If you go there you will see that there is calm in major towns, except for some rural areas,’’ Major said.
INEC had in a statement, stated that Presidential Election and the National Assembly polls would hold on Feb. 14, 2015.
It said the state houses of assembly and governorship elections were fixed for Feb. 28, 2015. (NAN)
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