Election shift: I’m deeply disappointed with INEC —Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed

deep disappointment over the postponement of

the presidential and National Assembly polls by

the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The President lamented that, despite giving all the

necessary support to the electoral umpire , the

exercise was postponed just hours to voting and

after Nigerians had taken the pains to travel to

vote.

“ I am deeply disappointed that despite the long

notice given and our preparations both locally and

internationally , the Independent National Electoral

Commission postponed the presidential and

National Assembly elections within hours of its

commencement ,” Buhari said in a statement he

signed on Saturday morning in Daura, Katsina

State .

However, he asked INEC to ensure the safety of

election materials already distributed and

appealed to Nigerians to remain law abiding.

Buhari also stated that he had decided to relocate

to Abuja from Daura to ensure that the meeting

INEC called to hold with stakeholders was

successfully .

His statement reads further, “ 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 .”