The US Government has expressed
disappointment over the postponement
of Nigeria's general election which was
announced last night by INEC chairman,
Prof. Jega. Below is a statement by the
US Secretary of State John Kerry posted
on the US Department of State website
The United States is deeply disappointed
by the decision to postpone Nigeria’s
presidential election, which had been
scheduled for February 14. Political
interference with the Independent
National Electoral Commission is
unacceptable, and it is critical that the
government not use security concerns as
a pretext for impeding the democratic
process. 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.
