Who Wins Today? Jonathan or Buhari ?

CMB and CEJ

THE long awaited moment is here at last. Today, millions of Nigerians will go the polls to elect a new president.

Although there are many candidates, the contest boils down to two of them: incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This is more so with some of the political parties and candidates queuing behind the duo who are slugging it out for the second time, the first being in 2011 when the incumbent beat his main challenger in the race. But unlike in the past, today's election would be a keen contest between the two and there might be no landslide victory.

Since the advent of this Republic in 1999, no presidential election has been so close to call. And of course, so polarised along religious and ethnic lines as this. For Jonathan, it is a last chance to demonstrate what he can do to prove his mettle if he wins. And for Buhari, it is a last chance and last attempt, considering his age. However, many believe it would have been easier for a winner to emerge had the election held last month as earlier scheduled.

Add caption

Many expect the poll to be more peaceful than it would have been last month, especially with the signing of a second peace accord by the major candidates on Thursday to eschew bitterness and violence during and after the results and winner are announced. Across the country, palpable tension remains, with most non-indigenes on the alert despite assurances by government and security agencies of their safety. There have been last-minute movements/travels and shopping for foodstuffs and even petroleum products as restriction of movement is in place today.

TheGuardian

Presidential election postponed until March 28

The Presidential election have been postponed,  chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC)  on Saturday announced a six-week postponement to the presidential elections, due to security concerns

"In consideration of the advice by the security agencies, it will be unconscionable to have elections without adequate security," said elections chairman Attahiru Jega, according to a tweet from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Attahiru Jega, said security chiefs advised a delay as troops would not be available because of operations against the militants.

"If the security of personnel, voters, election observers and election materials cannot be guaranteed, the lives of innocent young men and women and the prospect of free, fair and credible elections will be greatly jeopardised," he told reporters.