The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed the general elections by a week.
The elections affected are the Presidential and National Assembly elections, initially scheduled for today, February 16, but will now hold on February 23, while the Governorship and state houses of Assembly elections will take place on March 9.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, announced the decision at a short press briefing on Saturday morning.
“Following a careful review of the implementation of its logistics and operational plan, and the determination to conduct free, fair, and credible elections, the commission came to the conclusion that proceeding with the elections as scheduled is no longer feasible”. He said.
This was after an impromptu INEC meeting late Friday night with the 12 National Commissioners of the commission.
The announcent followed speculations on social media that the elections would be postponed due to various challenges in the distribution of electorial materials.