Following the election postponement, President Muhammadu Buhari has said expressed his deep disappointed with the postponement of the general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The President revealed this on Saturday in a statement through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.
He siad, “I am deeply disappointed that despite the long notice given and our preparations both locally and internationally the INEC postponed the Presidential and National Assembly elections within hours of its commitment”.
While commenting on the postponement, the President griped that numerous Nigerians had ventured out from different areas to exercise their franchise including the international observers.
“Many Nigerians have traveled to various locations to exercise their rights to vote and international observers have 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”.
President Buhari revealed that his organization won’t meddle in the procedures of the commission but instead guarantee that all assets are discharged.
“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 & 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”.
The President spoke to Nigerians to abstain from all civil disorder and remain peaceful, patriotic and united to ensure that no force or conspiracy derail our democratic development.
He added that he has chosen to move back to Abuja to ensure that the meeting called by INEC with all stakeholders is successful.
The commission postponed the general elections by seven days, under five hours to the beginning of the polls.