We Have No Preferred Candidate In Nigeria’s Election, Says US

Less than 11 days to the 2023 general elections, the government of the United States has affirmed its commitment to support Nigeria in conducting a free, fair and peaceful election in Nigeria.

The US also declared that it has no preferred candidate ahead of the forthcoming general election.

The United States assistant secretary of state for Bureau of Africa Affairs, Molly Phee stated this when she, in the company of the US ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, paid a courtesy call on the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

The meeting was held in Abuja, hours after Yakubu met with leaders of political parties ahead of the general elections.

Phee noted that the US values highly its partnership with Nigeria and as such, encourages a successful election that is free, fair and peaceful.

Phee noted that the United States values its partnership with Nigeria, adding that both countries are diverse democracies.

She encouraged Nigerians to look at the 230 years of American history where it peacefully transfers power every four years.

“We are both diverse democracies and we want to encourage a successful election that is free, fair and peaceful.

“And I am happy to say that I have great confidence that you will have a successful election,” he said.

Expressing confidence in the electoral process, she said, “I have great confidence that you will have a successful election.

“Since 1999, Nigeria has been moving up in solidifying and consolidating its democratic efforts, and now with INEC, under the leadership of the chairman, and the support of his superb team, all Nigerians are now confident in the integrity of the upcoming election.”