A Ranking Member of the U.S House Subcommittee on Africa, Chris Smith, has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to announce without delay the certified results of last Saturday’s elections.
His call was contained in a statement issued on Sunday, posted on his website: chrissmith.house. gov.
According to him, early declaration of the election results will nip in the bud any attempts to manipulate it.
He said the eyes of the U.S and Africa were on INEC.
Below is the full statement:
“Yesterday, (Saturday), Nigeria voted. Today, (Sunday), votes are being counted. I am very concerned by credible reports that the vote is being tampered with. To avoid any manipulation of the tally, it is critical that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announce without delay actual election results — which are certified by party agents and observers — at each polling unit as the vote is tabulated.
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“Well-placed sources report that in some states and localities — including Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia — INEC commissioners are receiving enormous pressure to alter poll results. This must not be allowed to happen.
“The eyes of the United States, of Africa, and the world are upon Nigeria and INEC. I also ask Secretary Michael Pompeo to hold accountable anyone who seeks to cheat the Nigerian people — who have waited patiently — of their vote or foments violence.”
