Buhari’s next plans revealed as president returns to Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari, Saturday afternoon, returned to Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, following the shift of the general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

We gathered that series of meetings to be presided by the nation’s leader have been scheduled for today and Sunday.

One of the meeting include the emergency gathering called by INEC.

However, the parley scheduled for 2pm, may commence behind schedule, as the commission wants major stakeholders, including candidates, civil society organisations, observers and the members of international community in attendance.

The president will later meet leaders of his campaign team and party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), heads of security agencies, among others.

In reaction to the postponement, Buhari urged the electoral umpire 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”, he said.

The president had concluded his nationwide rallies of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with Katsina State on Thursday, and later proceeded to Daura, his country home.

He was scheduled to exercise his voting right on Saturday in Daura, before returning to Abuja on Monday.

The INEC had on Saturday shifted the conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly elections to Feb. 23.

The governorship, house of assembly, FCT area council elections were also shifted from March 2 to March 9.

INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, attributed the decision of the commission to logistic and operational problems.

He said the postponement would afford the commission the opportunity to address the identified challenges in order to maintain the quality of Nigeria’s elections.