On why the elections were postponed
Jega stated that INEC had been prepared to hold elections on February 14th, but was persuaded by the country’s chiefs to postpone the date to the security concerns. National Security Advisor Sambo Dasuki and other high-ranking officials had reportedly expressed concern that they would be unable to provide election security nationwide, as they were battling Boko Haram in the northeast. He also assured Nigerians that there would be no further postponement of the elections, as it would be unconstitutional to do so.
On how card readers would be used
Jega explained that the card readers would have nothing to do with the actual voting, but would simply to be used in accrediting voters, Daily Post reports. He also stated that INEC had conducted a mock test on the card readers in all six geopolitical zones of the country, and ascertained that the devices are in good working order.
On rumours that politicians are buying PVC cards:
He said that stealing PVCs is an exercise in futility as the cards would be useless during elections. He said those who have stolen cards are only disenfranchising people as only those with credible PVC's would be accredited during the elections.
Prof Jega said he cannot say whether the elections would hold on the new dates. He said there are things that are not under the electoral commission's control, one of which is security issues. He said the election postponement would give them time to train all their officials, particularly those who would handle the card reader.
On whether the card readers was clone-able, he said they can be cloned but that they cannot be cloned successfully to be used with the INEC PVCs. He said only accreditation detail information would be sent to the INEC server.
He said he cannot answer questions bordering on security and advised that the service chiefs be invited.
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