US condemns Jonathan over postponed elections

John Kerry with Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

The announcement of new dates for Nigeria’s 2015 general elections, has continued to generate controversies. Last night, the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission  (INEC), Atahiru Jega announced the postponement of the presidential and national elections, to March 28th, and the state and local races, to April 11th.Although, the ruling PDP commended INEC for the shift, the opposition APC, has called move, ‘provocative’ and uncalled for.   However, the United State has further, voiced it’s concerns and disappointment over the postponement. According to a statement made by the US Secretary of State, John Kerry.’ 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.