Statement by Minister Nicholson on Upcoming Nigerian Elections

By Canada - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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OTTAWA, Canada, March 24, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“As Nigeria prepares to hold presidential, legislative and state elections in the coming weeks, Canada urges Nigeria to take all necessary steps to ensure that the elections are peaceful, free, fair and credible.

“Upholding democratic values is the collective responsibility of all political parties and state institutions, and includes promoting peaceful dialogue and rejecting violence in the event of a loss or disputed result. The professionalism and impartiality of security agencies during and after the elections is paramount.

“These elections are critical to reinforcing democracy in Nigeria and offer a valuable opportunity for Nigeria to set a positive example of democratic elections in Africa.”