US Secretary of State has expressed disappointment over the postponement of the Nigeria’s general elections.
The idea of a shift in the date of the elections was first mooted by the National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki, in a programme in London about a forthnight ago. It is believed to be pursued by the ruling People’s Democratic Party, citing security at the North East and the huge number of persons yet to collect their Permanent Voters Card.
It is not however clear how this is going to benefit the ruling PDP, eventhough opposition of All Progressives Comgres (APC) see it as a gameplay to rig the election.
The six-week delay was announced after security chiefs said the military needed more time to secure areas under the control of Boko Haram, the Islamist extremists who have seized swathes of territory in northeastern Nigeria.
“The United States is deeply disappointed by the decision to postpone Nigeria’s presidential election, which had been scheduled for February 14,” Kerry said in a statement.
“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,” he stressed.
Kerry said 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.”
Since the turn of the year, the militant group has increased the intensity of its campaign, in part to further undermine the democratic process, which it views as un-Islamic.
“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,” Kerry added.
The insurgency has killed at least 13,000 people and pushed more than a million from their homes since 2009.
The Rainbow with agency reports
