Nigeria shuts borders ahead of Saturday’s general elections
Nigeria on Friday closed all its land borders to restrict movements as the country readies for presidential and national assembly elections on Saturday, February 23.
The closure, ordered by the federal government to take effect from mid-day was announced by the country’s head of immigration, Muhammad Babandede and will be in force until the close of the polls.
The delayed election was originally scheduled to hold last week, February 16, but was postponed a few hours to voting as a result of logistics challenges.
Said the statement announcing the border closures; “Further to the Presidential election taking place on February 23, 2019 (tomorrow), the Minister of Interior has directed the closure of all Nigeria land borders with effect from 12 noon on Friday, February 22, 2019 (today). This is to restrict movements across the borders during the election days.”
About 84 million registered voters are expected to vote to elect a president and national assembly members.
The presidential race is thought to be between President Muhammadu Buhari and main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader, Atiku Abubakar.
Source: Graphic online