Both Buhari and Atiku express disappointment over the last minute cancellation of elections

BOTH President Muhammadu Buhari and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar have expressed disappointment over the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Inec) to postpone today's presidential and National Assembly elections.

Nigeria had been due to hold presidential and National Assembly elections today and governorship and state houses of assembly polls on March 2. However, at 2am this morning, Inec chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu announced that the presidential elections had been postponed until next Saturday, while the gubernatorial polls will now take place on March 9.

President Buhari said: “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 and 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.”

For his part, Alhaji Abubakar said he was unhappy with the development but it did not dampen his spirit. He said he was shocked by the development, adding that it was not the best of decision to cancel an election a few hours to voting time.

Alhaji Abubakar added: “I received the news with shock, as you don’t postpone an election few hours to its commencement. I urge Nigerians to be patient and come out en masse to vote."

He stated that he was on his way to Abuja for a Peoples Democratic Party emergency meeting over the development, adding that he had no problem with voting materials already distributed for the election as long as they were kept in the right and secure places.