Akure – The National Chairman of Social Democratic Mega Party (SDMP), Chief Olu Falae, has described the postponement of the National Assembly election by INEC as an act of courage and patriotism.

In his reaction to the postponement of the National Assembly election on Saturday in Akure, Falae said  INEC took the step having discovered some flaws that could mar the success of the polls.

He called on INEC to compensate political parties for the financial losses they had incurred as a result of the postponement.

“For example, in my party: Social Democratic Mega Party, we have paid nothing less than N5 million to party agents across the country.

“INEC should find a rate to pay all political parties, because they cannot quantify their loss individually,’’ Falae said.

The party chairman suggested April 23 for the conduct of the National Assembly election, pointing out that Monday was too early.

Former Gov. Olusegun Agagu, described the development as very sad and very shameful after all the setbacks the nation experienced during the registration.

“This is the first time this is happening. When they know that they will cancel the exercise, why did they send us on false errand? What about the time wasted?’’ Agagu asked.

In his reaction, the Labour Party senatorial candidate for Ondo South and the former Special Adviser to Gov. Olusegun Mimiko on Political Matters, Mr Boluwaji Kunlere, said that the postponement was worse than June 12, 1993 annulment.

“However, LP will remain undaunted and appeal to our members to come out en mass when the election is going to be conducted,” Kulere said.

Also reacting,  Gov Martin Elechi of Ebonyi said INEC postponement of the National Assembly election was unfortunate.

He told newsmen at Echi-Alike in Ikwo local government area of Ebonyi that the action would demoralise majority of the electorate.

“This will aggravate the peoples’ sufferings but this is the price we have to pay to sustain our democracy.

“I appeal to Nigerians to be steadfast, tolerate and endure for democracy to survive,” he said.

In his reaction, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, the National Chairman, ANPP expressed support for the postponement but suggested that the National Assembly election be held on the same day with the Presidential election on April 9.

“This will save cost for INEC and the political parties and our economy will be better for it,” he said. (NAN)