Nigerian presidential elections postponed by six weeks

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Nigeria is deeply concerned by the disappointing decision to postpone elections in Nigeria by six weeks.

The timing of this advice and the subsequent decision to postpone elections could hold troubling ramifications for the political independence of Nigeria's electoral bodies and democratic process.

In light of this development, the APPG on Nigeria calls on all stakeholders; including presidential candidates, their respective political parties, and the electoral and security institutions of Nigeria to remain committed to holding credible elections in March and April.

The APPG welcomed the signing in Abuja of the pact on non-violence by presidential candidates, and hopes that Nigerians and the international community witness elections free from violence and intimidation.

The conduct and outcome of these elections will not only impact Nigeria, but its regional and international partners, including the UK.

Announcing the decision, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Attahiru Jega stated that whilst INEC was 'substantially ready for the general elections as scheduled', the electoral body had been advised by the nation's security chiefs that 'security could not be guaranteed during the proposed period of February for the general elections.'

In a letter from the National Security Advisor received by INEC on Wednesday 4 February - 10 days before presidential elections had been originally scheduled - the Commission was advised that Nigeria's security services needed at least six weeks to counter the insurgency in the Northeast and would not be available to support the police and electoral agencies during elections.

Meg is the Chair of the Nigeria APPG.