Nigerian Presidential Elections Feb. 14, 2015


President Goodluck Jonathan meets with President Francois Hollande of France at the Elysee palace in Paris February 11, 2013. Image: John Van Hasselt


ABUJA, NIGERIA. (AP) — Nigeria's electoral commission says presidential and legislative elections in Africa's biggest oil producer will be held Feb. 14, 2015.

President Goodluck Jonathan has refused to announce his intentions but his perceived desire to run has fractured his People's Democratic Party amid increasing political violence.

Dozens of party stalwarts have defected to a new opposition coalition. It may offer the first real competition to the Democrats, who have governed since years of military dictatorship ended in 1999.
Many consider Jonathan a weak leader who has failed on election promises to end corruption crippling the economy. He has governed since 2010 and also has failed to halt an Islamic uprising that forced a state of emergency covering one-sixth of the country.

The commission announced the date in a statement Friday night.

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