I can’t guarantee elections will hold March 28, says Jega

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has told members of the upper legislative chamber, Senate, that he could not guarantee the 2015 general elections will hold on rescheduled dates in March and April.

While addressing the lawmakers in Abuja on Wednesday, Jega said he could not commit himself to the “sanctity” of March 28 and April 11 – dates for the rescheduled Nigeria’s general elections, stressing that INEC could not guarantee aspects of the poll that are beyond its control.

Responding to a question by George Akume, Senate Minority Leader, on the sanctity of the new dates, on Wednesday, Jega said it was difficult for him to respond, saying he could only give assurances over aspects within the control of INEC.

“That’s a very difficult question to answer. I have said not everything that has to do with the conduct of successful election is within the control of INEC.

Jega had earlier insisted that the Commission was set for the conduct of the election before it was abruptly postponed, stressing that the shift was forced on INEC by the National Security Adviser, retired Colonel Dasuki Sambo, and the Service Chiefs.