United States Government says it is not backing any individual, party, or any of the three major candidates in the February 25 election.
The US Assistant Secretary of States for African Affairs, Molly Phee disclosed this on Wednesday, in Abuja.
Earlier, Phee met President Biden with selected heads of state including President Muhammadu Buhari, and the meeting centered on the upcoming election.
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She held that a successful election required everyone’s contribution and every Nigerian should act responsibly and vote their conscience.
She said:
“Here in Nigeria, it is my impression that the fundamentals here are very strong and President Buhari has made it very clear that he would not seek a third term and that he views an important legacy of his time and tenure as President to be a peaceful transition of power.
“In December, when the United States hosted the African Leaders Summit, President Biden invited a select number of Heads of State to the White House including President Buhari to discuss upcoming elections in 2023.
“In that meeting, they discussed the importance and challenges of how to arrange a free and fair election that will result in a credible outcome, and how to ensure that the process is peaceful.
“Last year, your government enacted electoral reforms which are very positive and have contributed, I believe to a credible electoral process
“As we have learnt in the United States, successful elections require everyone to contribute, that is why as I earlier said, it is important for all Nigerians to act responsibly, and vote their conscience.
“It is my understanding that Nigerians have confidence in this electoral system and they should vote with confidence that their votes will count.”
Eighteen political parties were contesting in the 2023 presidential poll including the three major candidates–Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Peter Obi, of the Labour Party (LP), and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
