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
He later issued a statement criticising INEC’s decision and denying any interference in the affairs of the Commission. “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. “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,” Buhari said. But Atiku Abubakar also suspects the postponement was planned to “provoke” Nigerians to give negative reaction so that the government can use as an “excuse for further anti-democratic acts”. “As such, I call on all Nigerians to be patient. We have tolerated the maladministration of this government for four years. We can extend our tolerance a few more days and give them our verdict via our votes.” Source: editors.3news.com | Ghana
