2007年VOA标准英语-Nigerian Opposition Candidates Call for Postpon

Saturday's presidential ballot¹ in Nigeria appears headed for a crisis, as a coalition² of opposition³ candidates calls for its postponement⁴. Gilbert da Costa reports for the VOA from Abuja that the opposition's call is generating debate in Nigeria.

A Nigerian man look at election posters in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, 15 Apr 2007

A coalition of 18 opposition candidates is also demanding the cancellation⁶ of last Saturday's flawed state polls and the firing of the national electoral commission.

The government has rejected opposition accusations⁷ that it rigged the ballot and insists the presidential election will go ahead, with or without the opposition.

On the streets of Abuja, Nigerians are quick to comment on the political situation.

"At this stage, to have a postponement or a total suspension of the elections could lead to other vices⁸ that could bring about a crisis in the country," said one respondent.

"We want a change of government. Let this government go, hand over to another government," said another one.

People stand and look at a police vehicle, torched by gunmen in Kano, Nigeria, 17 Apr 2007

Nigeria's largest trade union, the Nigeria Labor⁹ Congress, is scheduled to meet Thursday on how to deal with the troubled elections.

Some union leaders are threatening to lead mass protests unless the results of some state polls are canceled.

The upcoming presidential election is expected to lead to the first handover of power from one civilian¹⁰ president to another since independence from Britain in 1960.