Global Media Coverage: Campaigning Begins in Nigeria after last minute postponement of presidential vote

Posted by admin Elections, Elections 2019, Latest Politics, National Politics, Top Stories Monday, February 18th, 2019

The Canadian Politician – (Toronto) – The last minute delay of the Nigerian presidential elections have spiralled into an accusation match between the main opposition party, Peoples’ Democratic Party and the ruling party, All Progressive Congress. While the parties blame each other for the delay, President Buhari has blasted the Independent Electoral Commission for gross incompetence in the management of the elections. The president warned Nigerians that the elections must be free and fair and stated that he had instructed the security agencies to be brutal with anyone or organisation seen to be tempering with the election results. “I have given the military and the police instructions to be ruthless. We are not going to be blamed for the bad conduct of the election,” the former military ruler said.

The Independent Electoral Commission blamed the delay on logistical challenges that prevented it from serving election materials to some of the difficult areas of the country. Some of those areas include the Northeast where the insurgent Islamic group, Boko Haram, has been waging a separatist war since 2009. The president however, stated that there will be an investigation into the delay to find out the real cause. With 84 million voters and almost 200 million citizens, Nigeria is the largest democracy in Africa and the 5^th largest in the world. It will be recalled that the 2015 presidential elections that ushered President Buhari into power were postponed by the incumbent. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. The elections have been slated for February 23.

Culled from www.thecanadianpolitician.com wp_posts