President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed dissapontment following the postponement of elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He expressed concern that despite the long notice given and preparations both locally and internationally, INEC “postponed the Presidential and National Assembly elections within hours of its commencement”.
Buhari however said he will return to Abuja to ensure that the meeting called by INEC with all stakeholders is successful.
The INEC had on Saturday shifted the conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly elections to Feb. 23.
The governorship, house of assembly, FCT area council elections were also shifted from March 2 to March 9.
The INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, attributed the decision of the commission to logistic and operational problems.
He said the postponement would afford the commission the opportunity to address the identified challenges in order to maintain the quality of Nigeria’s elections.
SEE THE PRESIDENT’S TWEETS BELOW
I am deeply disappointed that despite the long notice given and our preparations both locally and internationally, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) postponed the Presidential and National Assembly elections within hours of its commencement.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) February 16, 2019
Many Nigerians have traveled to various locations to exercise their right to vote, and international observers are gathered.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) February 16, 2019
INEC themselves have given assurances, day after day and almost hour after hour that they are in complete readiness for the elections. We and all our citizens believed them.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) February 16, 2019
This administration has ensured that we do not interfere in any way with the work of INEC except to ensure that all funds were released to the commission.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) February 16, 2019
We now urge INEC to ensure not only that materials already distributed are safe and do not get into wrong hands, but that everything is done to avoid the lapses that resulted in this unfortunate postponement, and ensure a free and fair election on the rescheduled dates.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) February 16, 2019
While I reaffirm my strong commitment to the independence, neutrality of the electoral umpire & the sanctity of the electoral process & ballot, I urge all political stakeholders & Nigerians to continue to rally round INEC at this trying national moment in our democratic journey.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) February 16, 2019
I, therefore, appeal to all Nigerians to refrain from all civil disorder and remain peaceful, patriotic and united to ensure that no force or conspiracy derail our democratic development.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) February 16, 2019
I have decided to move back to Abuja to ensure that the 14.00 hrs meeting called by INEC with all stakeholders is successful.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) February 16, 2019