The top United Nations political official arrived in Nigeria Monday for a two-day visit aimed at conveying the world body's support and solidarity with the country ahead of the general elections starting on 28 March.

Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman. [Photo: AU/UN/IST/Tobin Jones]

Initially set to take place on 14 February, national elections in Nigeria were postponed owing to security concerns.

"In meetings, Mr. Feltman will underscore the Secretary-General's message on the importance of holding the elections in accordance with the new electoral calendar issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)," UN spokesperson Farhan Haq told a news conference in New York.

"He will encourage all relevant national institutions to work with the Electoral Commission to ensure that all eligible Nigerians can exercise their constitutional right to freely vote on the new dates set."

In addition, Mr. Feltman reiterate the need for all Nigerians to work together to create an environment that is conducive for the holding of credible and peaceful elections, the spokesperson noted.

Mr. Feltman, who is acmpanied by the Secretary-General's High-Level Representative to Nigeria, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, will also discuss the situation in the north-east of Nigeria resulting from continuing indiscriminate and brutal attacks by Boko Haram against civilian populations.

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