On Thursday, U.S. President Joe Biden urged candidates and parties to accept the results as declared by the electoral commission, calling for the impending presidential election in Nigeria to be transparent and peaceful.
Out of a total population of over 200 million, more than 93 million Nigerians are enrolled to vote in Saturday’s presidential and parliamentary elections, which are thought to be the most competitive since the nation’s return to democracy in 1999.
In a statement, Biden praised the peace agreement that was signed in Nigeria on Wednesday, February 23, all candidates swearing to use the legal system to address any grievances. He said that by pledging their support for a peaceful transfer of power, the parties and candidates agreed to accept the election results as published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“I commend yesterday’s peace accord in Nigeria,” Biden said in a statement, referring to a pledge signed by all candidates on Wednesday to seek redress through the courts for any grievances.
“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 (INEC), and to support a peaceful transition of power,” he said.
Although electoral violence and fraud have a long history in Nigeria, the country’s elections have become steadily more peaceful in the nearly 25 years since it ended military control. According to INEC, steps have been made to guarantee a fair and free election.
Biden stated that “All Nigerians deserve this chance to choose their future — freely and fairly.” He added, “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,” Biden concluded.