Election chief Attahiru Jega said Tuesday's poll will be delayed by two days in northern Kaduna and Bauchi states because of security concerns.
The delay was announced just hours after President Goodluck Jonathan said the country's final round of elections will be held as scheduled next week.
Riots broke out in the predominantly Muslim north this week after Mr. Jonathan, a Christian from the south, won Saturday's presidential election.
Jega said he hoped the postponement in the two volatile states “will allow the further cooling of tempers.”
Mr. Jonathan said in a nationwide address Thursday that calm is being restored.
Media reports say more than 100 people were killed in election violence, though officials have declined to give a death toll for fear of prompting more attacks.
The International Criminal Court said Thursday it is investigating whether crimes committed during the unrest are within its jurisdiction. Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo warned “those who commit atrocities to gain power will be held to account.”
Analysts say the final round of voting, which follows polls for president and parliament, could be the most volatile. State governors in Nigeria have control of huge budgets and wield strong influence over policy.
The unrest this week began Sunday when Muslim supporters of defeated presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari attacked churches, homes and police stations in northern states, sparking reprisal attacks by Christians.
The Red Cross says the post-election unrest has wounded 410 people and displaced 40,000 others.
Independent observers say Saturday's presidential vote was largely free and fair. Mr. Buhari says the outcome was affected by computerized vote rigging, and says his party will challenge the results in court.
Nigeria's population of 140 million is split roughly evenly between Muslims and Christians. Most Muslims live in northern Nigeria, while most Christians live in the south.
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