Nigeria to hold presidential election on 9 April

Abuja, 24 Nov-(ANA)-Officials in Nigeria have said the country will hold a presidential election on 9 April next year, ending months of uncertainty.

The poll had originally been scheduled for January, but was postponed after parliament approved constitutional changes.

Officials said the delay was needed so they could amend the voters' roll, which they described as deeply flawed.

Nigeria's previous elections have been marred by violence and alleged fraud.

The Independent National Election Commission said a parliamentary election would be held on 2 April, a week before the presidential vote.

The governing PDP (People's Democratic Party) has won all of Nigeria's presidential elections since military rule ended in 1999 and so correspondents say its candidate will be seen as the favourite.

The candidacy of President Goodluck Jonathan has been challenged by four PDP members, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. (ANA)

FA/ANA/24 November 2010----------