Olusegun Obasanjo (file photo)

Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo says he will work with Liberia to make sure next week's post-war presidential election is a success.

During a one-day visit to Liberia Friday, Mr. Obasanjo said this is a crucial time for the war-wracked nation.

Mr. Obasanjo met with Liberia's transitional leader, Gyude Bryant, who thanked the Nigerian president for his support over the last decade. Several candidates running in next Tuesday's poll also held talks with Mr. Obasanjo.

Nigeria helped broker a peace deal in 2003 by granting exile to former Liberian president Charles Taylor, who has been indicted on war crimes charges.

Nigeria has come under increasing pressure by human rights groups and the United States to hand over Mr. Taylor to the war crimes court based in Sierra Leone.