Students Criticise 2015 Presidential Election Date

Students of higher institutions have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reschedule the presidential and National Assembly elections from February 14, 2015.

A cros-section of the students said that the date coincided with the popular St. Valentine’s Day being celebrated every year on February 14.

They said the change was necessary as majority of the youths in the country would be busy on that day celebrating St. Valentine’s Day in churches, in their houses or in relaxation centres and may not have the time to go and cast their votes.

A student of Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Dele Oge, said that it was better for INEC to change that date or the election would be marred by low turn-out since the majority of the youths would be busy celebrating the lovers’ day.

“I do not know why INEC did not consider the interest of youths in the country before fixing that election. “Everybody knows that every Feb. 14 is celebrated as St. Valentine’s Day and majority of the people involved in the celebration are youths of voting age. “The INEC should please change that date as youths are also interested in exercising their franchise,” he said.

Onyinye Urama, a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Idah in Kogi, said her parents always took their children to church to celebrate the feast of St. Valentine. “My parents will not allow me to go to any other place that day except going to church to know the real meaning of Valentine. “Many youths will be in the church that day while others will go to relaxation centres to enjoy with their friends and well wishers. “If INEC insists on holding the elections that day, many youths of voting age will be disenfranchised,” she said.

A student of the Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Enugu, Ifeanyi Oguama, urged INEC to change the date as the number of youths in the country could not be ignored in presidential and National Assembly elections.

“The government and relevant agencies in the country should always carry the youths along in preparing government activities and policies. “I am surprised that INEC can fix election on Feb. 14, a date youths in the country celebrate St. Valentine’s Day, popularly called `Lovers Day’. “I plead with the federal government to compel INEC to change that election date in the interest of youths to ensure good turn-out of voters that day,’’ he said.