As Nigeria heads into elections on Saturday, the United
Nations (UN) and the White House have urged a process
that is free, transparent and credible where all citizens
are able to cast votes without fear and intimidation.
These are the fifth elections since Nigeria returned to
democracy in 1999 in what observers are calling a tight
race between incumbent President, Goodluck Jonathan,
and opposition leader Mohammadu Buhari.
The UN says it will be closely monitoring developments
in the country while President Barack Obama, in a video
message, urges Nigerians to strengthen their democracy
by casting their ballots in a peaceful manner. Obama
called it a historic opportunity for Nigerians to help write
the next chapter in the country’s.
He says all Nigerians must be able to cast their votes
without intimidation or fear. “So I call on all leaders and
candidates to make it clear to their supporters that
violence has no place in democratic elections and that
they will not incite, support or engage in any kind of
violence before, during or after the votes are counted.
“I call on all Nigerians to peacefully express your views and to reject the voices of those who call for violence.
When elections are free and fair it is the responsibility of all citizens to help keep the peace, no matter who wins.”
Observers believe the election is too close to call while Boko Haram’s leadership has vowed to
disrupt the poll.
After a six-week delay over Boko Haram security concerns, Nigerians will elect their president for the next four
years on Saturday. The UN believes preparations have been noteworthy after a visit by top officials last week.
UN spokesperson, Farhan Haq, says they are hopeful that there can be a free, credible and transparent process. He
adds: “We’ll keep evaluating the circumstances until we get to this weekend’s elections.”
Observers believe the election is too close to call while Boko Haram’s leadership has vowed to disrupt the poll.
Meanwhile, the dominance of Jonathan’s People’s Democratic Party in elections since 1999 is under threat from a
unified opposition in the All Progressives Congress that has coalesced around former coup leader Muhammadu
Buhari, who ruled Nigeria from 1983 until he too was overthrown less than two years later.

http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/a4fb470047c0320e856bdf90b717e741/UN,-US-urge-for-free,-transparent-and-credible-Nigeria-polls--20150323

Typing!

why is US in particular so concerned over Nigeria affairs? what is their business with the way we do our thing?