“Elections could be cancelled”, Nigeria’s election body warns

The Independent National Electoral Commission (Inec), in charge of elections in Nigeria, has warned that it could cancel the general elections if nothing is done to tackle insecurity in the country.

The elections are due to be held on 25 February.

The body’s chairman Mahmood Yakubu said the commission was ensuring that election personnel, materials and process have the highest level of protection especially “given the current insecurity challenges in various parts the country”.

“If it was not dealt with decisively, the insecurity could ultimately culminate in the cancellation or postponement of elections in sufficient constituencies to hinder declaration of elections results and precipitate constitutional crisis,” he said.

“This must not happen” Yakubu added, calling for the reinforcement of security teams to ensure that the elections are held successfully across the country.