The top challenger to Nigeria's president in the now-delayed election is urging Nigerians to be patient and says he is heading back to the capital to consult with other "stakeholders" on the way forward.

Atiku Abubakar spoke to reporters outside his home in northern Adamawa state.

When asked if he was "dampened" by the last-minute postponement by the electoral commission, he said "absolutely not."

Both his party and the ruling party have condemned the last-minute decision to delay the vote.