Will the system hold?
The latest news on Nigerian elections comes from the International Herald Tribuine.Nigerian opposition parties seek unified front ahead of crucial elections
"Nearly two dozen opposition parties banded together Thursday to say they doubted elections setting up Nigeria's first-ever transfer of power between civilian leaders would be free or fair...
"Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, a former military ruler and runner-up in 2003 elections, gathered representatives of more than a dozen of the parties arrayed against the ruling Peoples' Democratic Party at a conference center in the capital, Abuja.
"A letter signed by Buhari and printed in the local media said he hoped many of the opposition candidates in April 21 presidential elections would throw their support behind him, as one of the two top contenders still in the race.
"Buhari emerged from the meeting without such an agreement, but said he hoped the opposition's remaining 22 presidential candidates would meet again Tuesday.
"Twenty one opposition parties signed a communique after Thursday's meeting, saying the electoral commission, known by the acronym INEC, had not performed its duties well, but that they wouldn't withdraw from the elections...
"The ruling party candidate, Katsina Governor Umaru Yar'Adua, is seen as a front-runner along with Buhari. Abubakar also is an important figure, even though it's not clear he'll be on the ballot. Obasanjo is prevented by the constitution from seeking another term."
The article also noted that, "Nigerians flooded out of the main southern city of Lagos after the government declared two days' national holiday so voters could head home for Saturday's vote for state legislators and governors. The presidential vote is a week later, on April 21.
"The surprise holiday pushed back a court ruling expected Thursday on the eligibility of would-be presidential candidate Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who cried foul...
"The holiday announced Wednesday pushed back a Supreme Court ruling until Monday on Abubakar's bid to be allowed to run.
"Garba Shehu, a spokesman for Abubakar's party, said the holiday was declared 'just to stop the courts from sitting.'..."
Labels: elections, Nigeria, politics
posted by Ken Wedding @ 7:58 AM
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A BBC update to news from Nigeria:
Cleric killed in Nigeria mosque
"A prominent Islamic cleric has been shot dead inside a mosque in the northern Nigerian city of Kano.
"Ustaz Ja'afar Adam and two followers were killed during dawn prayers.
"He was once a key member of the Kano State government but has fallen out with the governor. The killing could be political, or a dispute between sects...
"Mr Adam is a member of the strict Saudi-backed Wahabbi strain of Islam and has also been involved in disputes with rival Islamic sects..."
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