The Commonwealth Observer Group on Wednesday said its personnel have departed Nigeria following the postponement of the general election from February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11.
The Communications Officer of the group, Mr. Will Henley, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the group was looking forward to the rescheduled election dates. According to him, the support staff from the Commonwealth Secretariat has also departed.
“The observers have now departed Nigeria, including the support staff from the Commonwealth Secretariat,” Henley said.
He said the group would issue a statement on any further update regarding the observers’ re-deployment.
A statement by the Chairperson of the group, Dr Bakili Muluzi, on the postponement of the elections, said the group respected Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s) decision on the shift of the polls.
Muluzi said the group was invited by the INEC to observe the elections.
He said the delegation had arrived in Nigeria on February 7 for the elections shortly before it was postponed.
He said the delegation had arrived in Nigeria on February 7 for the elections shortly before it was postponed.
“Soon after our arrival, we were informed of the decision taken by the Chairman of INEC to postpone the elections by six weeks in the light of the security situation facing Nigeria.
“We understand and respect this decision taken in difficult circumstances,” Muluzi said.
Thisdaylife
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