The United States on Thursday expressed disappointment with the level of violence and irregularities that characterised the 2019 general elections in Nigeria.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the U.S embassy said from reports of observer groups, there was high level of voter intimidation, vote -buying, interference by security forces and violence in many places across the country. It also decried the low turnout of voters in the elections.
The embassy however, commended the country’s commitment to the democratic process, saying the U.S would continue to follow closely the ongoing polls.
“As long-time friends of Nigeria, we continue to follow closely the 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 and the security services.”
Stating that it had no preferred candidate, the mission expressed support for a democratic process “where the will of the Nigerian people is reflected in the results.”
”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.
”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.”
The U.S therefore called on all stakeholders to work towards a free, fair, credible, transparent, and peaceful process, especially for those who would participate in Saturday’s supplementary elections in some states.
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But the Independent National Electoral Commission in its reaction to the US assessment of the elections said there could never be any perfect election anywhere in the world.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in reaction to the U.S’ position said there were no perfect elections anywhere in the world.
The commission while appreciating the US’ assessment of the general elections and its support for the electoral process noted however that the observations were not enough to discredit the integrity of the elections.
Chief Press Secretary to the electoral umpire, Rotimi Oyekanmi, who responded on its behalf said: “As one of our important partners, the Independent National Electoral Commission appreciates the United States’ interest and support for Nigeria’s electoral process.
“However, there is no country in the world where general elections are perfect from the beginning to the end. In our reckoning, coupled with various reports released by local and international observers so far, the 2019 general elections were a success, but by no means perfect.
“There are lessons to be learnt and there is room for improvement. The commission will continue to do its best to deliver credible elections with the hope that the major players will appreciate the importance of playing by the rules and ultimately accept that no political office is worth the precious life of any human being. All is vanity.”
