A chieftain and former national secretary of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Adewale Oladipo on Wednesday advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to conduct both the Presidential and National Assembly elections same day as planned in order not to cause confusion.
The senior member of PDP, who however lauded Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for early preparation towards 2019 general elections, wanted a review of election timetable, arguing that since majority of Nigerian electorate are illiterate, there might be confusion at Polling booths.
It will be recalled that election timetables released by INEC on Tuesday showed that the Presidential and National Assembly elections are to hold on February 16 , 2019, while that of State Governorship and House of Assembly elections will be held later in March, 2019.
Oladipo, who spoke in Ede, Osun state on the sidelines of 8th Day Fidau prayer of late Olatoye Bello, father of ex-Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Adejare Bello, noted that rolling out the timetable for the election very early could mean that the electoral umpire wants to keep to the standard already attained and possibly surpasses it.
He said, “We all know that illiteracy is very rampant in our society, therefore combining the two elections together will be confusing for the electorate.
“Some people may want to vote for presidential candidate of PDP and vote for APC National Assembly candidate. But combining the two together, might confuse the electorate. Maybe we should have the National first and then the presidential election should follow.”
While assuring Nigerians of PDP come-back in 2019 general elections, Oladipo added that National Chairman of the party, Uche Secondus had been given the mandate to return the party back to Aso Rock.
“During the 2015 general elections, our presidential campaign was handled outside the party structure and as a result, there were lot of negative campaign against the party.
“But that will not happen again because we will to come out with our own template for running the country and mobilise Nigerians around our programmes”, Oladipo concluded.
BOLA BAMIGBOLA, Osogbo
