The United States of America has warned Nigerian Government not to use security concerns as a pretext for impeding the democratic process, even as it said that it is “deeply disappointed by the decision to postpone Nigeria’s presidential election, which had been scheduled for February 14.”
In a press statement by the US Secretary of State, Washington, DC, Mr. John Kerry made it clear that political interference with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is unacceptable to the US and international communities.
Kerry, who reacted to the postponement of the Nigeria general elections from February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11, 2015 said that the international community will be watching closely as the Nigerian government prepares for elections on the newly scheduled dates.
“The United States underscores the importance of ensuring that there are no further delays. As I reaffirmed when I visited Lagos last month, we support a free, transparent, and credible electoral process in Nigeria and renew our calls on all candidates, their supporters, and Nigerian citizens to maintain calm and reject election-related violence.” [myad]
