"That should not worry you. There is nothing wrong with that (deployment of troops). It is normal and there is nothing to worry about," Obasanjo said in a live radio and television interview in Abuja, monitored here.

Troops could be used as "back-up support for the police, said Obasanjo, a former military head of state, adding the presence of soldiers could ward off violence.

Nigeria has witnessed a spate of bloody violence and assassinations in the run-up to a series of elections which start on Saturday, sparking fears that they could be marred by violence.

Obasanjo, who is seeking reelection, said soldiers had assisted in previous elections in Nigeria in 1959 and 1979 when troops were used to move electoral officers and materials and as back-up to the police.

National Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday while presidential and governorship polls are slated for April 19.

Reacting to Tuesday's call by 13 small opposition parties for the polls to be postponed, Obasanjo said such a campaign was unconstitutional.

SPACE.WIRE