President Muhammadu Buhari has given hints that he would attend a caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scheduled to hold today at the party’s secretariat in Abuja.
The meeting, according to sources, within the presidency, may not be unconnected with the postponement of the presidential and National Assembly elections.
Even though stakeholders have called on Nigerians to be patient with the electoral umpire and wait for the February 23 rescheduled date, the APC appears to be unsettled over the postponement.
Buhari had shortly after learning of the postponement, expressed his reservations against INEC management, saying he was disappointed by the agency.
The development had also compelled him to cut short his stay at his home town Daura, Katsina State, where he was expected to exercise his franchise.
Buhari had stated, “I am deeply disappointed that despite the long notice given and our preparations both locally and internationally, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) postponed the presidential and National Assembly elections within hours of its commencement.
“Many Nigerians have traveled to various locations to exercise their right to vote, and international observers are gathered.
“INEC themselves have given assurances, day after day and almost hour after hour that they are in complete readiness for the elections. We and all our citizens believed them.
“This administration has ensured that we do not interfere in any way with the work of INEC except to ensure that all funds were released to the commission.
“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.”
