This has caused a lot of controversies. The reason adduced for it was the threat of extremism and terrorists. It is even speculated that they also said that Boko Haram elements are in Edo state.
This is really fishy. Edo state has not been known as a flashpoint for election violence. In fact, it is one of the most peaceful states in the Niger Delta as regards elections. Even militancy is not widespread in the state. So what threat of terrorism could there be? Since when did Boko Haram enter Southern Nigeria? They would have notified citizens. How come it is now, close to the election date, that they are calling for election postponement? In any case, these security agencies have long known that election was to be held on the aforementioned date, so they should have prepared towards it. This announcement means that they weren't prepared and that's a sign of incompetence. How sure are we that the police and the DSS will be ready at a future date?
What about the WAEC students who were relocated to other states because their exams were clashing with the September 10 election date? Will they suffer in vain? Nobody is even talking about them. They deserve an apology.
This is not to say that elections cannot be postponed. Last year, it happened during the general elections. Although it was criticized, the circumstances surrounding it were even more excusable than this. With this announcement, INEC may be left with no other option but to postpone the election because it won't want to conduct elections in an environment where the security of its staff cannot be guaranteed. It is unfortunate. We must move beyond allowing unnecessary sentiments to affect things as sensitive as elections; the hallmark of our democracy.
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