Nigerian elections chief says presidential poll tentatively to be held in January

Nigeria presidential poll likely held in January

ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s elections chief says the West African nation will tentatively hold its presidential election in January.

Attahiru Jega, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, says lawmakers are in the final stage of approving constitutional amendments. The poll will likely take place between Jan. 9 and Jan. 15, 2011.

The National Assembly is expected to have a final vote next week on constitutional amendments the Senate has already approved.

Last month Jega was appointed elections chief, following demands for electoral reforms before the 2011 poll.

In 2007, Nigeria saw its first civilian-to-civilian transfer of power after a series of military dictatorships. However, that election was marred by fraud, intimidation and violence.