President Muhammadu Buhari, has appealed for calm following INEC’s rescheduling of Presidential and National Assembly elections.
The elections which were billed to take place today, were moved to Saturday 23rd February, 2019 due to logistic issues. Governorship, State House of Assembly and the FCT Area Council Elections will now hold on 9th March, 2019.
The President made this known in a series of tweets from his twitter handle.
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
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Many Nigerians have traveled to various locations to exercise their right to vote, and international observers are gathered.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) February 16, 2019
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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