Nigerian President Mohammadu Buhari has shown his disappointment after the Independent National Electoral Commission postponed the Presidential elections.
The president said in a statement he was “deeply disappointed” after the electoral body “assurances, day after day and almost hour after hour that they are in complete readiness for the elections.”
“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,” he said.
“I am deeply disappointed that despite the long notice given and our preparations both locally and internationally, INEC postponed the elections within hours of its commencement,” Buhari said via Twitter on Saturday evening.
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) 16 February 2019
The presidential and parliamentary elections were postponed for a week. The announcement was made five hours before the polls were due to open on Saturday16, 2019.
Buhari said thousands of Nigerians had traveled to various locations to exercise their right to vote, and international observers had already gathered.
“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.”
Buhari asked the 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.
“Thou should also ensure a free and fair election on the rescheduled dates… I urge all political stakeholders and Nigerians to continue to rally round INEC at this trying national moment in our democratic journey,” he said.
He appealed 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.
“I have decided to move back to Abuja to ensure that the meeting called by INEC with all stakeholders is successful,” he added.
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) 16 February 2019