The Independent National Electoral Commission on Friday unveiled the timetable for the 2015 general elections.
According to the timetable, the
Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled to hold on
February 14, 2015, will precede elections into the State Houses of
Assembly, as well as that of all but four of the 36 states of the
federation.
This is because the Anambra State
governorship elections was held in November 16, 2013, while the
governorship elections for Ekiti and Osun States have been slated to
hold on June 21st and August 9th, 2014 respectively.
A statement signed by the Secretary of
the Commission, Mrs. Augusta Ogakwu, in Abuja, also said the commission
fixed state assembly and governorship elections for February 28, 2015.
Ogakwu, who said the timetable, was
released after the retreat the commission held in Kaduna State, between
Tuesday and Friday, explained that the release was done pursuant to the
powers conferred on the commission, by the Constitution and the
Electoral Act (2010) as amended.
The commission was however silent on when those interested in the 2015 polls could begin to signal their intention.
Analysts are of the view that by making the time table public, INEC has technically declared that electioneering can commence.
Nigerians would expect a definite
pronouncement from President Goodluck Jonathan as to whether or not he
would be seeking a second term in office.
The subject has been a source of tension
within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and the nation generally.
Apart from the President, individuals in other political parties are
also expected to begin to make public their desire to run for elective
office.
Political “jobbers” as well as “smart
Nigerians” will also revive their hitherto moribund support groups to
position themselves for the task ahead.
Small business such as those involved in
the printing of T-shirts, banners, handbills and other paraphernalia of
political campaigns are also expected to begin preparations to cash in
on the windfall as politicians go for broke to get public attention.
Sadly, governance may suffer as elected
officials shift attention for the mandate they currently enjoy to
seeking for the one ahead.
PUNCH NG
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