Nigerian opposition leader Muhammadu Buhari urged his supporters to be calm following the controversial postponement of the country's presidential elections.

The election, originally slated on 14 February, has been moved to 28 March, due to the increased terror attacks initiated by the Islamist rebel group Boko Haram.

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Nigeria, along with other African countries, had committed to deploy thousands of troops in the battle against the notorious Boko Haram Islamist rebel group. 

Nigeria's election commission had said it will be too risky to proceed with the polls, citing the lack of security forces to protect the people and their votes.

The election is expected to be a tight race between Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. 

It is also likely to be the most hotly contested election since the end of military rule in 1999.

Buhari's group earlier accused the ruling People's Democratic Party of orchestrating the postponement, to help in the campaign of the sitting president.  APC said it could also be a sign the Independent Electoral National Commission (INEC) is yielding to pressure by the PDP.

"It is important to note that although INEC acted within its constitutional powers, it is clear that it has been boxed into a situation where it has had to bow to pressure," Buhari said.

Foreign leaders are keeping a close watch at the political developments in Nigeria.

The United States had expressed its deep disappointment over the delay of the elections, saying government must not invoke security concerns to impede the democratic process.

On Sunday, President Jonathan reiterated his commitment to step down when his term ends on May 29th.

"President Jonathan believes that this is not a time to trade blames or make statements that may overheat the polity," President's spokesman said.

TagsNigeria, elections, Goodluck Jonathan, Boko Haram