Abuja, 12 Feb - (ANA) - Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan has denied he was consulted over the postponement of Saturday's presidential and parliamentary elections. Election officials took the decision on the advice of security officers concerned about the Islamist-led insurgency in the north-east, he said. The six-week delay was not a "big deal", he said on national television. The opposition claims Mr Jonathan pushed for the polls to be delayed because he feared defeat. The elections have been rescheduled for 28 March. Analysts say the elections is the most closely contested since military rule ended in 1999. Mr Jonathan and his People's Democratic Party (PDP) are facing a strong challenge from ex-military ruler Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Elections for state governors and assemblies slated for 28 February have been moved to 11 April. Thousands of people have died as a result of the insurgency waged by militant Islamist group Boko Haram over the past six years, while more than three million people have been forced from their homes. The militants control a large stretch of land in north-eastern Nigeria and have stepped up attacks on neighbouring countries. (ANA)

FA/ANA/12 February 2015--------