Poll Shift: Plot Against Jega Hightens

Due to his perceived  stance on credibility, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Attahiru Jega, has entered the bad books of some power brokers who are bent on ensuring his removal. 


According to The Nation, the said power brokers plan to push for postponement of the general elections to June. The reason for this master plan is that Jega and his National Commissioners’ five-year tenure will end on June 13. Those who do not trust his team “to do their bidding” are thinking of a new hand to run this year’s elections.

They see this as the best way  to ease out Prof. Attahiru Jega, who remains firm that all is set for the February 14 and 28 elections.

But despite the march on its Abuja headquarters, INEC is forging ahead in its preparations for the general elections.

Prof. Jega has deployed all the National Commissioners and other top officials in the six geopolitical zones for first hand assessment of the readiness of all its state offices for the elections.

The commission is  also keeping an eye on applications before some courts seeking to stop the  elections.

 

Section 132(2)of the Constitution as amended states: “An election to the said office (President) shall be held on a date not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of that office”.

The Nation  aslo learnt that the second alternative is to capitalise on lapses in the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) or shoddy management of the elections’ logistics to sack Jega and his team.

But due to the confidence Jega enjoys  from the  international community, it might be difficult to remove him  midway into the election process unless there is a legal basis for such.

According to Sahara Reporters, the president is irate that Mr. Jega, has been avoiding meetings with him and his presidential aides. Professor Jega has maintained that he wants to be seen to have conducted a free and transparent election, even if imperfect. He has therefore maintained that there is no point going to Aso Rock to hold meetings exclusively with Mr. President, who is a candidate, and the president’s team.

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