During her visit to the Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, in Abuja on Monday, US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, affirmed that the US does not have a preferred candidate in Nigeria’s general election. Phee expressed confidence that the election will be successful, emphasizing that every vote counts and that Nigerians should trust the electoral process due to the excellent work of INEC. She also acknowledged the technical assistance provided by the US to support the electoral process in Nigeria.
During her visit to INEC’s chairman, Ms. Phee expressed confidence that Nigeria would have a successful, free, fair, and peaceful election. She highlighted that the US, along with other international partners, had no preferred candidate but would support the processes toward a credible poll. Ms. Phee further emphasized the US’s value for its partnership with Nigeria and its democratic trajectory, which has been consolidating since 1999. She commended INEC’s leadership and the support of its team, stating that every Nigerian could have confidence in the integrity of the upcoming election.
Ms. Phee urged Nigerians to ensure peace throughout the election period, stating that every citizen, stakeholder, and party had a responsibility to maintain peace before, during, and after the election. Meanwhile, Mr. Yakubu, the chairman of INEC, reiterated the commission’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election that would reflect the will of the Nigerian people. He stated that INEC is not a political party and has no candidate preference, focusing solely on the process, and upholding the people’s choice. He expressed INEC’s commitment to consolidating its partnership with the US, citing Nigeria’s growing population projection and positioning as the second-largest presidential democracy in the world. He concluded by highlighting the importance of maintaining a democratic system where the will of the people would continue to prevail.
Credit: Premium Times