‘Why Presidential Election Date Is Symbolic’

A don, Dr Emeka Obi, has
described the fixing of February 14, 2015, for the presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as ‘symbolic’.
Obi, who is a political science lecturer at the Anambra State University, Uli said in Onitsha that February14, which is St. Valentine’s Day, is a day set aside to show love.
“Looking at it cosmologically and astronomically, INEC must have sensed something unique in choosing this day,’’ he said.
The lecturer urged Nigerians to show love for the unity of the country by coming out en masse, to vote for candidates of their choice.
He commended INEC for the prompt release of the timetable, which he said, was in line with the Electoral Act.
Obi pleaded with political parties and politicians to eschew bitterness and rancour during the campaigns and elections proper, in the interest of peace and unity in the country.
“Politics is not a do or die affair, neither is it a dirty game. It is the politicians that make it look like a dirty game,’’ he said.
The don appealed to all relevant agencies, non-governmental organisations, churches and the traditional institutions to embark on voter education, to encourage people to participate actively in the elections.
INEC has released the timetable for the 2015 elections, with the presidential and National Assembly elections holding on February 14, followed by governorship and state Assembly polls on February 28.
According to the timetable, campaigns for the elections will kick-off not later than November 16, 2013, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.