President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed disappointment over the postponement of the nation’s general election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, announced the postponement of the election scheduled to commence on Saturday, shortly after a review of the level of preparedness of the commission for the election.
While the Presidential and National Assembly election scheduled for Saturday was postponed till February 23, 2019, the Governorship and State House of Assembly election was rescheduled to hold on March 9 as opposed to the earlier date of March 2.
In his reaction on the shift in the date of the general election issued on Saturday and made available to FrontPage, the president said he affirmed his strong commitment to the independence, neutrality of INEC and the sanctity of the electoral process and ballot.
He called on all political stakeholders and Nigerians to continue to rally round INEC “at this trying national moment in our democratic journey.”
He warned INEC to ensure not only that materials already distributed were safe and did not get into wrong hands, but that everything was done to avoid the lapses that resulted in the postponement.
He stressed the need to ensure a free and fair general election on the rescheduled dates.
The president’s full statement reads:
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.
Many Nigerians have travelled to various locations to exercise their right to vote, and international observers are gathered.
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.
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.
While I reaffirm my strong commitment to the independence, neutrality of the electoral umpire and the sanctity of the electoral process and ballot, I urge all political stakeholders and Nigerians to continue to rally round INEC at this trying national moment in our democratic journey.
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.
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
Daura, February 16, 2019
