President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his deep disappointed in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for postponing Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu had on Saturday morning  rescheduled the elections saying it was to ‘afford the Commission the opportunity to address identified challenges in order to maintain the quality of our elections’.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Daura, his hometown where he had gone to cast his vote, Buhari said he was deeply disappointed in the postponement given the preparations made by the electoral body both locally and internationally.

“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.

“I have decided to move back to Abuja to ensure that the 14.00 hrs meeting called by INEC with all stakeholders is successful,” the statement said.