South African-based international election observer, the Pan African Women Project, has appealed to the Federal Government to extend the visas of all foreign observers; to enable them remain until March 9, when the rescheduled governorship, House of Assembly and FCT Councils polls are expected to take place.
The group, which is accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), also urged the Commission to avoid further postponement.
INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, on Saturday, few hours to the kick-off of elections, announced the postponement of the presidential and National Assembly elections from February 16 to February 23.
Yesterday, the group’s publicity secretary, Mphoentle Keitseng, made the appeal at a press briefing in Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom State.
“The Nigerian government should instruct the Comptroller General of Immigration to extend the visas for all foreign observers enabling to stay until the March the 9th 2019 general elections.
“Many measures are being put in place by different observer groups to ensure that the 2019 general election will be transparent and credible and should meet all international standards. As such, further postponement should be avoided,” she added.
According to the report, the group also called on Nigerians to remain calm and support INEC.
They urged INEC to work towards instilling confidence in the process ”by constantly updating the public on its activities; towards the rescheduled election date. The Federal Government should take into cognisance that the entire world is watching with keen interest, the entire electoral process by Nigeria.”