Nigeria 2015 Polls: Jonathan’s security adviser, Dasuki, wants polls postponed

National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki

The National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki(retd.), has canvassed for the postponement of next month’s elections to give the Independent National Electoral Commission time to distribute over 30 million outstanding Permanent Voter Cards to registered voters.

Dasuki, according to Reuters, said he had told the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega,   that a postponement within the three months allowed by the law, would be a good idea.

But his advice was rejected by the electoral umpire and the opposition All Progressives Congress.

Before he spoke at the Chatham House, a London think-tank, groups like the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, the Federation of Middle Belt People and the   Ohanaeze Ndigbo   had also advised that the elections should be shifted.

Dasuki told participants at a talk in London, that INEC which had distributed over 30 million cards late last   year, had assured him that the outstanding PVCs would be given out   before February 14, the first day of the elections.

He however stated that he believed it would make more sense to shift the elections since the law provided   a 90-day window during which elections could legally take place.