The Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari is asking Nigerians not to relent in coming out once more for Saturday’s crucial general elections.
On Friday he told Nigerians in a televised speech that “as your President, I hereby ask all Nigerians with voting cards to participate in defining the future of our nation by exercising your democratic rights tomorrow. I urge you to go out and vote.”
Millions of Nigerians on February 16 came out to cast their vote only for the electoral commission to delay the process.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) decided to shift the entire process to February 23.
The postponement means governorship and state assembly elections will take now place on March 9, instead of original March 2 date.
Logistical challenges were however identified as the major reason for the delay according to the INEC.
To vote means that you believe in Nigeria and the excellent things the future holds for this nation and its people.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) February 22, 2019
Have faith
There are many who fear the decision to postpone the elections could affect people’s confidence in INEC and its work.
But President Buhari says “according to the daily INEC public briefings given this week, the Electoral Commission says it is ready and fully prepared to conduct the election in a free, fair and transparent manner.”
“I believe INEC realises the profound and weighty duty that rests upon it. We must cast aside doubt and have faith that INEC will rise to the occasion.
We must believe and encourage INEC to fulfill and honour this responsibility it owes to our country,” Buhari added.
He wants voters to “cast aside doubt and have faith that INEC will rise to the occasion”.
Secured process
Violence has also been a major concern for many in areas targeted by militant activities.
President Buhari says Nigerians should “not be afraid of rumours of violence and unrest. Our security agencies have worked diligently to ensure that adequate security measures are in place.”
“You will be able to vote in an atmosphere of openness and peace, devoid of fear from threat or intimidation,” Buhari further said.
You will be able to vote in an atmosphere of openness and peace, devoid of fear from threat or intimidation.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) February 22, 2019
Already Nigerian authorities have announced cuts in prices of fuel to encourage people to travel to vote.
The country’s information minister, Lai Mohammed said on Wednesday that Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has cut the price of petrol at the pumps.
The reductions will however be enforced from Friday to Monday. The fuel cut is less than $1.
Opposition candidate’s appeal
Incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari is facing a tough challenge in Atiku Abubakar from the opposition.
Atiku also took to Twitter to appeal to voters to come out and vote.
I will be voting on Saturday, the 23rd of February 2019, and I call on you to please join me. #LGNWA https://t.co/80CouRCCQv
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) February 21, 2019
The electoral commission has also assured that the election will take place this time after all logistical challenges were addressed.
Over 84 million registered voters are expected to participate in the voting process.
Press briefing by the Hon. Chairman INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu on #NigeriaDecides2019 Elections pic.twitter.com/HeSixZMECe
— INEC Nigeria (@inecnigeria) February 21, 2019
Source: Africafeeds.com
