[ODUNEWS] January 26 – The United States has expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) competence to handle the 2023 elections.
US ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, made this known at the 20th Daily Trust Dialogue in Abuja.
According to Leonard, the US supports no candidate and wishes for a calm and transparent election in Nigeria.
“The United States supports credible and transparent elections that will represent the will of the people in a peaceful process,” she added. “We have faith in INEC to conduct the elections.”
“2023 is a chance for Nigeria to assert itself as Africa’s democratic leader. We support no candidate. We support open and transparent elections that are held in a peaceful manner.
“2023 is a chance for Nigeria to reclaim its position as Africa’s democratic leader. We have no preference for any candidate. We support peaceful elections that are open and transparent. This is the basis for democracy and the legal transfer of power.
“It’s excellent that we reflect on the fact that since 1999, Nigerian voters have effectively exercised their democratic rights. Nigeria has proved to Africa and the rest of the world for more than two decades its strong commitment to peaceful and transparent elections.”
She stated that, at a time when democracy is being challenged in many parts of Africa, the practice is becoming more entrenched in Nigeria.
