The logistical fine-tuning, however, has been overshadowed by comments from Mr Buhari that he had ordered security forces to be "ruthless" with vote-riggers and ballot-box snatchers. Critics said his warning was a "licence to kill" to the police and the military, while Mr Abubakar said his comments were not fitting for an elected head of state. Mr Buhari has again vowed to be tough on insecurity and corruption, and wants to complete much-needed road and rail infrastructure projects, as well as social mobility schemes. Mr Abubakar is a pro-business free marketeer whose main pledges have been to privatise giant state-run companies and float the embattled naira currency. But with President Buhari and Mr Abubakar both northern Muslims, that could split the northern vote, making southern states a key battleground.

Source: Daily Nation February 23, 2019 04:56 UTC