A Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheik Ahmad Gumi, on Tuesday kicked against the calls for the postponement of the February general elections in the country.
Gumi said the Independent National Electoral Commission should go ahead and conduct the elections as scheduled, saying that the elections would still have flaws even if postponed for 100 years.
The Islamic scholar, who spoke while inaugurating a non-governmental election monitoring group, My Choice, My Pride Foundation, said, “To be honest with you, Nigeria is not yet perfect. Even if you give 100 years, it can never be enough. So, no matter what, elections must still be held. We can never be perfect. We are passing through a very difficult stage now.
“What I suggest when I said elections should hold irrespective of its flaws, it is because we first have to establish that you don’t get to power except through the ballot.
“We do not suggest other means for power except through the ballot to establish democratic type of governance. If we postpone this elections, then on what grounds are we going to continue; emergency rule?
“2011 is not like 2015. So, I think election should hold.”
He explained that any aggrieved candidate could seek redress in the court of law after elections.
“The court is there to seek redress. We should not take the law into our hands. It is better we go into the elections, no matter how flawed it may be and see how we can improve on that,” Gumi said.
On the allegation that he is supporting a particular presidential candidate, Gumi said, “If anybody has the notion that I am supporting any preferred candidate, I think it is very unfair to me.” Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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