Petrol shortages, chaos at banks, in addition to insecurity and the chronic lack of water and electricity, have added to the plight of many in Nigeria. It’s a volatile mix as Nigeria gears up for presidential and general elections next month, with President Muhammadu Buhari stepping down after the two terms allowed by the constitution. But days before the deadline, only a few banks were distributing the new notes, leaving many Nigerians, who are overwhelmingly poor and without bank accounts, without access to cash. Under pressure, the government agreed to push the deadline back to February 10, but on Tuesday many banks were still unable to distribute the new notes. The Independent National Electoral Commission has once again extended the deadline for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards. Main candidates vying to replace Buhari, Bola Tinubu of the president’s governing party, Atiku Abubakar of the main opposition group and Peter Obi.
SOURCE: AFRICA NEWS