Holding elections in February dangerous – Gana

A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a member of the board of trustees of the People Democratic Party, Mohammed Abba Gana, on Friday said it will be dangerous and illegal to hold the general elections later this month.

He called for the postponement of the elections to April this year, stressing that the Electoral Act permits the shift of the polls considering the fact that over 20 million voters had yet to collect their permanent voter cards.

Gana, who spoke on the sidelines of an event organised by the Change Initiative Forum in Abuja to formally present the book: ‘Why Goodluck Jonathan should be re-elected,’ stated that it was legal to shift the dates for the conduction of the elections.

He said, “The extension of the election is both a legal and technical issue. What we are saying is that since about 20 million PVCs have yet been distributed, and also since it is legal and within the electoral law to shift the elections to sometime in April, then it should be shifted. The electoral law says elections will be held not earlier than 90 days before the handing over ceremony on May 29, and not later than one month before, therefore it is legal and within the constitution or the electoral Act to say that election should be shifted to April this year.

“This will enable INEC to use two months, the whole of February and March, to conclude all these challenges they are facing because anything worth doing must be done very well. And I am sure that is the reason why the Council of State yesterday (Thursday) advised INEC to consult very widely and inform the nation since they are the only institution empowered by the constitution to conduct elections.

“And now since we have problems of logistics, shortages and other things, and since there are clear two months with which INEC can help if they want to because the elections can be done in April and since it is within the law and the electoral Act, they can do all the elections in April.”

He went on, “I’m sure the Council of State properly advised Prof. Jega and his team to consult widely and to do what is right for the country. Doing it in a hurry is very, very dangerous, because if 20 million voter cards have not been distributed and you say you are going to conduct elections; that is unkind. Because you will be disenfranchising 20 million people and this is extremely reckless.”

On the book presentation, Gana said the document would enlighten Nigerians on the exceptional performances of President Jonathan.

He said, “The book is timely because it will enlighten Nigerians so that they can make the best political choice for themselves and for the country. I am sure it will guide Nigerians and will also let people see the performance of the President very clearly.

“We in the PDP believe in our performance and those in leadership positions in the party have performed very well and that is why we believe that we are going to get a convincing and honourable victory over the APC in most of the elections, particularly in the presidential, governorship and national assembly elections.”

The Coordinator, CIF, Mr. Genesis Jeremiah, said the book was written primarily to educate Nigerians about the deeds and plans of President Jonathan.