United States president, Joe Biden, has assured the people of Nigeria that his country stands with them as they chart a path toward a more democratic, prosperous, and secure future.
Biden who said this in a statement on Thursday, ahead of Saturday’s presidential and national assembly elections in Nigeria, noted that elections are a fundamental part of a functioning democracy, and all Nigerians deserve this chance to choose their future.
The US president particularly commended the peace accord signed by presidential candidates in Abuja on Wednesday, noting that by the accord, all candidates have committed to peaceful conduct of the election.
“I commend yesterday’s peace accord in Nigeria, signed by the political parties and candidates running in Nigeria’s presidential election on February 25. By signing this pledge, the parties and candidates have committed to accept the results of the election, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, and to support a peaceful transition of power,” President Biden said.
“Elections are a fundamental part of a functioning democracy, and all Nigerians deserve this chance to choose their future — freely and fairly. While the United States does not support any single candidate or party, we strongly support a peaceful and transparent process that reflects the will of the people of Nigeria. On election day, I encourage all Nigerians — no matter their religion, region, or ethnicity —to exercise this fundamental freedom and make their voices heard — including young voters, many of whom may be heading to the ballot box for the first time.
“The United States stands with the Nigerian people as they chart a path toward a more democratic, prosperous, and secure future. I appreciate President Buhari’s firm commitment that the will of the people will be respected. And in the coming days, I encourage voters to remain peaceful and patient as their ballots are tallied, and urge the political parties and candidates to live up to their pledge.”