Election Shift: Voice Of Jacob, Hand Of Esau - Gbenga Daniel

ABEOKUTA - A former governor of Ogun state and Deputy Chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Council, Otunba Gbenga Daniel said he suspected foul play in the postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) describing it as the "voice of Jacob, hand of Esau".

Otunba Daniel submitted that, Nigerian voters will not tolerate any foul play by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the general elections rescheduled for next Saturday.

Daniel who spoke to newsmen at his Asoludero residence in Sagamu on Saturday added that, the postponement of the general elections was not good for the country's and Africa politics.

He further described the news as unpleasant in all ramifications, said he was shocked with the INEC's action, saying it does not portray the country in good light in the face of International observers.

He however cautioned calls for the resignation of INEC's Manhoud Yakubu, insisting that his resignation would create bigger problem for the country.

Daniel however said Nigerians would not give room for any foul play, saying Nigerians should put the electoral umpire on notice.

His words: "It is not particularly pleasant news in all ramifications. This an election that INEC and all of them have about three and half years to prepare for. And up until a few days ago we had assurances that everything is set to go. 

"And I am really shocked. I would not know any excuse they have to give. The INEC chairman spoke in terms of logistics and I still don't understand it. I am told that they having another meeting by 2pm in Abuja and I hope that they would come with a better clarification".

"But clearly, this is not good for the politics of the country. Look at the international observers, some of them have been here in the last two weeks. What do you expect them to do now? 

"It is really not a good day for politics in Nigeria and Africa", he added.

On Free and fair polls, he said "Nigerians will not give room for any foul play. I think we should place on notice that this is not election about individuals. It is about INEC versus Nigeria. People have said clearly that the ongoing regime is not the best we can have. And INEC has a duty to be loyal to Nigerians and not to anybody.

On Sanctions for INEC Chairman, he said  "I accept. But it may not be easy for you to ask the INEC chairman to resign if you don't want to create a bigger problem. If they now want to have the election next week and you are asking the Chairman to resign, it will create a bigger problem. I think we should allow him to do what he wants to do before we talk of sanction."