WASHINGTON
U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday urged Nigeria to reject any form of violence during upcoming presidential elections later this month.
The oil rich Western African country goes to the polls March 28 amid ongoing conflict between Nigerian forces and the Boko Haram terror group that is active in northern areas of the country and recently declared allegiance to Daesh.
"I call on all Nigerians to peacefully express your views and to reject the voices of those who call for violence," Obama said in a video message. "When elections are free and fair, it is the responsibility of all citizens to help keep the peace, no matter who wins."
The president also urged Nigeria’s leaders and candidates to keep their supporters from violence while encouraging them not to incite or engage in violence -- before, during, or after the votes are counted.
"Boko Haram -- a brutal terrorist group that kills innocent men, women and children -- must be stopped," Obama said. "Boko Haram wants to destroy Nigeria and all that you have worked to build. By casting your ballot, you can help secure your nation’s progress."
Nigerian elections were once-postponed due to deteriorations in the country’s security.
President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, or PDP, will be challenged by the main opposition All Progressives Congress, or APC, leader Muhammadu Buhari and Yemi Osinbajo, as his vice president.
The country is nearly evenly divided between Muslims and Christians.
