Nigeria’s presidential election has been postponed just a few hours before commencement of voting.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the move early on Saturday, just 5 hours before the polling stations were due to open.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) met on Friday 15th February 2019 and reviewed its preparations for the 2019 General Elections scheduled for Saturday, 16th February 2019 and Saturday, 2nd March 2019,” statement from the elections body read in part.
INEC in its statement said it could not proceed with the election as initially planned because it was “no longer feasible.”
“Consequently, the Commission has decided to reschedule the Presidential and National Assembly elections to Saturday, 23rd February 2019. Furthermore, the Governorship, State House of Assembly and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections is rescheduled to Saturday, 9th March 2019. This will afford the Commission the opportunity to address identified challenges in order to maintain the quality of our elections,” INEC said.
Breaking News: The #NigeriaDecides2019 Elections now to hold on; 23rd February, 2019 for Presidential and National Assembly while the Governorship, State House of Assembly and the FCT Area Council Elections is to hold on 9th March, 2019. pic.twitter.com/6zhvBLQe2a
— INEC Nigeria (@inecnigeria) February 16, 2019
