Timetable will not favour Jonathan- INEC

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission has described as unfair and unfortunate comments credited to the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso, and a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, over the 2015 general elections.

While the governor was said to have alleged that the timetable for the election was done to favour President Goodluck Jonathan, the ex-Minister had claimed that “blood will flow” after the 2015 election if it was not free and fair.

The Service Department of State Security had invited El-Rufai to its office over the statement.

El-Rufai was summoned by the SSS for what the security agency described as provocative and inciting comments.

But the INEC’s Director of Media Affairs, Mr. Nick Dazang, told our correspondent in Abuja that the comments by both personalities were unfortunate.

He said, “The 2015 timetable and schedule of activities recently released by the INEC is informed by the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

“It is not intended to favour any candidate or political party. Remember that our mantra is to deliver elections that are free, fair and credible.

“And the commission’s members have sworn to an oath to be non-partisan and impartial.

“Governor Kwankwaso’s sentiments are therefore untrue, wrong and regrettable. They do not reflect or convey the true disposition of the commission. El-Rufai’s comment is unfortunate. INEC will continue to do its best to conduct better elections.”