The recent rescheduling of elections in Nigeria (click here if you missed it) caused quite a stir, with several parties, including Lagos State Governor Fashola, coming forth to express their views on why they think it was a bad decision.
The United States Secretary of State “John Kerry” in a press release published on the US Department of State’s website expressed his disappointment over the postponement of the election, and if you recall, during his recent visit to Nigeria, he specifically urged the government not to take this action.
Read the full Press Release below:
“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.”
