Poll shift: US deeply disappointed, says John Kerry

The United States has expressed deep disappointment by the postponement of Nigeria's presidential election, which had been scheduled for February 14.

A statement signed by US Secretary of State John Kerry, decried political interference with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying it 'is unacceptable'.

The presidential election according to INEC, will now hold on March 28 while Governorship and state legislative elections hold on April 11. However, Kerry warned that there should not be further delays.

'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,' Mr. Kerry stated.