Nigeria's Buhari promises security for delayed presidential election
Updated 11:35, 23-Feb-2019
CGTN
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President Muhammadu Buhari Friday urged Nigerians "to go out and vote," promising there would be adequate security for Saturday's postponed election that puts him in a tight race with businessman Atiku Abubakar.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced a week's delay to voting in the early hours of last Saturday, just as some of Nigeria's 72.8 million eligible voters were preparing to go to polling stations.
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In a televised morning address on the eve of the vote, Buhari asked Nigerians to "cast aside doubt and have faith that INEC will rise to the occasion" on Saturday.
"Do not be afraid of rumors of violence and unrest. Our security agencies have worked diligently to ensure that adequate security measures are in place," he said.
Buhari's rival Atiku, a former vice president who is representing the main opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP), made a similar appeal to voters through his Twitter feed on Thursday night.
A staff member of the INEC carries ballot papers at a local office of INEC in Port Harcourt, southern Nigeria, February 22, 2019. /VCG Photo

A staff member of the INEC carries ballot papers at a local office of INEC in Port Harcourt, southern Nigeria, February 22, 2019. /VCG Photo

"This Saturday, a vote for PDP is a vote to get Nigeria working again. Come out, vote and #DefendYourVote," Atiku said in a tweet accompanied by a video of his rallies.
The Boko Haram militant insurgent group and its offshoot, Islamic State (ISIL) in West Africa Province, have carried out deadly sporadic raids in the northeast's Borno state. Boko Haram has warned people not to vote.
Witnesses and security officials told reporters an attack in Borno on a governor's convoy on route to an election rally on February 12 was deadlier than the government had said.
More than 1,000 soldiers from neighboring Chad, belonging to a multinational joint force comprised of troops from the region, crossed the border into Nigeria on Friday to help with the fight against Islamists, according to two Chadian military sources.
Policemen patrolling the streets a day before 2019 presidential election in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria, February 22, 2019. /VCG Photo‍

Policemen patrolling the streets a day before 2019 presidential election in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria, February 22, 2019. /VCG Photo‍

Police patrol vehicles were seen moving around Borno's capital, Maiduguri, on Friday. Electoral commission vehicles were also seen ferrying election material under heavy police guard.
"I think everybody has to be concerned about the security... it is something that worries people," said James Jatto, a pastor in Maiduguri.
Acting Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu said police would ensure security at the polls.
(Cover: Stickers for ballot boxes are seen during the electoral preparation at a local office of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Port Harcourt, southern Nigeria, February 22, 2019. /VCG Photo)
Source(s): Reuters