The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it did not fix the Presidential and National Assembly elections on February 14, to deny Nigerians the celebration of Valentine's day.
The Chief Press Secretary to the commission's Chairman, Kayode Idowu, while speaking in Abuja on Thursday, January 7, said that the election date was a coincidence.

He said: "When the commission was taking that decision, it never even occurred to the leaders of the commission that it was Valentine's Day. But then, it is a day for showing love and if we can show love that will discourage people from fomenting violence. That will discourage you from being hateful towards another person on that day. It will make the election peaceful. So, it is a good coincidence. ''

He, however, urged Nigerians to be guided by the meaning of Valentine's day to make the election peaceful.
"The message of the day is to show love for one another and therefore, there is no basis for violence, acrimony and being unruly because that day is a day for showing amenable conduct towards others. So, that should guide the behaviours of voters as they go out to vote," Idowu added.