The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Itsekiri Leaders of Thought met in Kaduna yesterday and resolved that the 2015 election must hold on February 14 as earlier scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

ACF Chairman, Ibrahim Coomasie and Chairman of Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, Chief Isaac Jemide led their members to the meeting.

The two regional groups, which also resolved to work together as Nigerians, called upon INEC and other stakeholders that under no circumstance should it contemplate shifting the February 14 presidential elections.

Addressing newsmen after a closed door meeting held at ACF national secretariat Wednesday in Kaduna, Mr Coomasie, who spoke on behalf the two groups said, the implication of postponing the elections will be too far-reaching as it may create constitutional crisis, loss of confidence by the people in the system, social crises as well as general uncertainty.

While re-affirming the groups’ belief in one Nigeria and confidence in the role elections play in a democracy, the ACF Chairman warned all stakeholders to the election not to tamper with the democratic system.

Similarly, Northern delegates to last year’s National Constitutional Conference have also kicked against calls for postponement of the general elections.

In a statement issued by chairman of the Northern Delegates Forum to the conference, Mr Ibrahim Coomasie, stated that the issue of postponing the forthcoming election was not part of the deliberations at the conference.

He expressed disappointment with some delegates to the conference, who are now claiming that the conference endorsed postponement of the 2015 general election, adding that such position is the opinion of the conference.

He also wondered why some Nigerians should be pushing for the postponement of the elections when the INEC has given assurance of its readiness to conduct the election as scheduled as well as the assurances by the nation's security forces that they are fully ready for the elections.

•Photo shows INECChairman, Jega.

Update news