The British government has condemned the postponement of elections in Nigeria by six weeks expressing concerns over the six week delay of the polls.

A statement released on the website of the Foreign Office said the Foreign Secretary, Phillip Hammond, has expressed concern over decision to postpone Nigeria’s election by six weeks.

“The decision by the Nigerian Electoral Commission to postpone the presidential elections is a cause for concern.

“The Nigerian people have the right to credible, peaceful and transparent elections. There should be no further delay in delivering democracy and I urge all to remain calm during this period of frustration.

“While we support Nigeria in its struggle against terrorism, the security situation should not be used as a reason to deny the Nigerian people from exercising their democratic rights. It is vital that the elections are kept on track and held as soon as possible in accordance with international norms”, the statement read.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, while announcing the shift, said INEC’s decision follows a letter from security agencies informing the commission that security cannot be guaranteed if the elections go ahead as scheduled.

“Last Wednesday, the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) wrote a letter to the Commission, drawing attention to recent developments in four Northeast states of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe currently experiencing the challenge of insurgency.

“The letter stated that security could not be guaranteed during the proposed period in February for the general elections,” Prof. Jega said.

The electoral body has now set March 28 for the presidential and National Assembly elections while April 11 for Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.