The United States of America has appealed to Nigerians to ensure a free and fair supplementary election in the country, saying it was necessary for improving the electoral process for the future.
The US embassy in Nigeria made the remark in a statement on Thursday ahead of the election which will come up on Saturday.
“As the 2019 electoral cycle comes to an end, we urge all stakeholders to work towards a free, fair, credible, transparent, and peaceful process, especially for the many Nigerians across the country who again will go to polls on Saturday.
“We encourage all stakeholders, including INEC, political parties, and the security services, to continue to improve the electoral process for future elections,” the US said.
While stating that the United States would continue to support democratic process in Nigeria, it expressed disappointment over the anomalies that greeted the last governorship and House of Assembly election in the country.
The statement reads in part:
“The United States once again congratulates the Nigerian people’s commitment to the democratic process throughout the election season.
“The United States supports a democratic process where the will of the Nigerian people is reflected in the results.
“As long-time friends of Nigeria, we continue to follow closely the still ongoing elections. We do not have a preferred party or candidate.
“As noted by many observer groups in their preliminary reports, we too were disappointed by the low voter turnout as well as credible reports of voter intimidation, vote buying, interference by security forces, and violence in some locations.
“We are saddened by those acts of violence and extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives, including those who worked for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security services.
“As the 2019 electoral cycle comes to an end, we urge all stakeholders to work towards a free, fair, credible, transparent, and peaceful process, especially for the many Nigerians across the country who again will go to polls on Saturday.
“We encourage all stakeholders, including INEC, political parties, and the security services, to continue to improve the electoral process for future elections.
“We look to Nigeria as an important leader on the African continent. As a democratic partner of Nigeria, the United States remains committed to working together to achieve our mutual goals of peace and prosperity for the citizens of both our countries.”
