The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has condemned the call for the postponement of the Edo State governorship election by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Security.

The election was scheduled to hold this Saturday.

But the two security agencies had on Wednesday advised the Independent National Electoral Commission to shift the poll, citing security threats by insurgents and terrorists.


 
However, the group, comprising over 70 civil society organisations, ‎while briefing journalists in Benin on Thursday, described the advice as a “gratuitous” and unconstitutional interference in the independence of INEC as contained in Section 160(2) 160(2) the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

It, therefore, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to caution the security agencies and give INEC the necessary support to conduct a credible election.

The group explained that it was shocking that the two security agencies, who were members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security did not formally brief the electoral umpire on the issue to enable it review “whatever security challenges the security services may have claimed to have arisen”.

In a statement read by its convener, Mr. Clement Nwankwo, it said, “The ‘advice’ by these security agencies has undermined public confidence in the conduct of the Edo State governorship poll. INEC now faces a more challenging task of assuring all parties that a revised poll can be properly organised within a constitutionally stipulated time frame.”

‎The civil society group also expressed disappointment at the inability of security agencies to “take charge” and ensure adequate security for the citizens and INEC, adding that “the present situation appears contrived and threatens to truncate the democratic process in Nigeria”.

It, however, called on all eligible voters to remain vigilant and prepared to protect their constitutional rights to vote.