In the run-up to Nigeria's elections, US President Barack Obama took a keen interest in the polls, releasing a YouTube message urging Nigerians to vote peacefully and avoid violence. After the elections, he also published a video congratulating the country for holding successful and credible elections.
Given Nigeria's status as Africa's largest economy and the biggest black nation on earth, the US has taken a keen interest in developments there. In the run-up to the May 29 inauguration there had been a fierce debate who should attend on behalf of the US government, with President Obama himself under pressure to be there in person.
Yesterday, the White House confirmed that Mr Kerry will be leading the US delegation to Nigeria and other members of the team will be announced later. Of late, Washington has been specially particular in its support for the democratic growth in Nigeria and in the weeks leading to the election, Mr Kerry visited Nigeria to urge the parties to accept the outcome if they lost.
Names that had being mentioned in official US and diplomatic circles in the run-up to the inauguration, including the first lady Michelle Obama, vice president Joe Biden and secretary of state, John Kerry. From the US Congress also, some of the senior members were said to be planning to attend the event, including the chairman of the US House of Representatives Sub Committee on Africa, Congressman Chris Smith.
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