Nigerian president says military should be 'ruthless' with vote riggers

By Aanu Adeoye, for CNN

Updated 1719 GMT (0119 HKT) February 18, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari delivers a speech during his party's emergency meeting on the postponed general elections in the capital city of Abuja on Monday.
President Muhammadu Buhari delivers a speech during his party's emergency meeting on the postponed general elections in the capital city of Abuja on Monday.

Lagos, Nigeria (CNN)Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said he had ordered the military and law enforcement officers to be ruthless with those involved in election fraud following the postponement of the country's general elections.

"I really gave the military and police orders to be ruthless," Buhari said. "I want Nigerians to be respected, let them vote whoever they want across the parties."
Nigerian parties condemn last-minute election delay
Nigerian parties condemn last-minute election delay
Buhari spoke Monday in Abuja, the country's capital, at an emergency meeting called by his ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
    He added: "I'm going to warn anybody who thinks he has enough influence in his locality to lead a body of thugs to snatch ballot boxes or disturb the voting system, will do so at the expense of his own life."
      Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari arrives for an anti-corruption summit in London in May 2016.
      Photos: In photos: Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari
      Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari arrives for an anti-corruption summit in London in May 2016.
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      Before he was Nigeria's President, Buhari was an officer in the country's army. Here, he stands next to Saudi Sheikh Ahmed Zaki Yamani, center, and Swedish King Carl Gustaf during an OPEC summit in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1977.
      Photos: In photos: Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari
      Before he was Nigeria's President, Buhari was an officer in the country's army. Here, he stands next to Saudi Sheikh Ahmed Zaki Yamani, center, and Swedish King Carl Gustaf during an OPEC summit in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1977.
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      As an army general, Buhari gained power in Nigeria after a coup in 1983. He was the country's head of state until 1985, when another coup forced him out.
      Photos: In photos: Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari
      As an army general, Buhari gained power in Nigeria after a coup in 1983. He was the country's head of state until 1985, when another coup forced him out.
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      Buhari ran for president in 2003 but lost the election. He also ran unsuccessfully in 2005, 2007 and 2011 before winning in 2015.
      Photos: In photos: Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari
      Buhari ran for president in 2003 but lost the election. He also ran unsuccessfully in 2005, 2007 and 2011 before winning in 2015.
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      Buhari salutes a crowd during a presidential rally in 2011.
      Photos: In photos: Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari
      Buhari salutes a crowd during a presidential rally in 2011.
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      Buhari embraces his opponent, President Goodluck Jonathan, after they pledged to hold peaceful "free, fair and credible" elections in 2015.
      Photos: In photos: Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari
      Buhari embraces his opponent, President Goodluck Jonathan, after they pledged to hold peaceful "free, fair and credible" elections in 2015.
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      Buhari casts his ballot in March 2015.
      Photos: In photos: Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari
      Buhari casts his ballot in March 2015.
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      Buhari greets a crowd as he is sworn in to office in May 2015.
      Photos: In photos: Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari
      Buhari greets a crowd as he is sworn in to office in May 2015.
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      Buhari is greeted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel during the G-7 summit in Germany in June 2015.
      Photos: In photos: Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari
      Buhari is greeted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel during the G-7 summit in Germany in June 2015.
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      Buhari shakes hands with US President Barack Obama during a White House meeting in July 2015. The two leaders were expected to discuss various topics, including the fight against the Boko Haram terrorist group.
      Photos: In photos: Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari
      Buhari shakes hands with US President Barack Obama during a White House meeting in July 2015. The two leaders were expected to discuss various topics, including the fight against the Boko Haram terrorist group.
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