US Congratulates Nigeria’s President-Elect Tinubu, Urges INEC To Improve Electoral Process

The United States of America has congratulated Bola Ahmed Tinubu on being announced as the winner of the Nigerian Presidential Election which was held on the 25th of February. 

In a statement by Ned Prince, the US State Department Spokesman, the United States sent congratulatory messages to Tinubu, following the announcement of his triumph in Nigeria’s presidential election which was held February 25. 

He described the race as  remarkable and first in Nigeria’s modern political era, which reflects the diversity of views that characterized the campaign and the wishes of Nigeria’s voters.

 “This competitive election represents a new period for Nigerian politics and democracy. 

 

“Each of the top three candidates was the leading vote-getter in 12 states, a remarkable first in Nigeria’s modern political era, reflecting the diversity of views that characterized the campaign and the wishes of Nigeria’s voters.”

The State Department commended the citizens of Nigeria, especially the youths, who were mostly new to the electoral process, for their active participation and their strong commitment to their country as shown in their participation in the democratic process.

Moreover, the US acknowledged the fact that there were many expressions of frustration from Nigerians, who said that the electoral process was not carried out properly, due to the supposed failure of the technical equipment which was introduced for the first time in Nigeria’s history of elections. “Nigerians are clearly within their rights to have such concerns and should have high expectations for their electoral processes. We join other international observers in urging INEC to improve in the areas that need the most attention ahead of the March 11 gubernatorial elections.”

The US also implored the members of the opposing party, if unsatisfied with the results from the electoral process, to challenge the outcome through the provisions made available in the law, thereby, asking them to refrain from any act of violence or related inciting acts. 

It also spoke against the attacks that were carried out against members of the media during the course of the election, saying “We call on all parties, candidates, and supporters to refrain from violence or inflammatory rhetoric at this critical time…we urge the government, security forces, political actors, and all citizens to respect the media’s critical role by refraining from any damaging acts against them and ensuring accountability for such acts when they do occur.”

While urging the government, security forces, political actors, and all citizens to respect the media’s critical role by refraining from any damaging acts against them and ensuring accountability for such acts when they do occur.  Ned Price congratulated the Nigerian people, especially the large number of youths who are relatively new to the political process, for demonstrating their strong commitment to democracy.

Price applauded the active participation of civil society and the media for advancing electoral norms and political discourse on issues of importance to citizens

Mosunmola Ogi-olu and Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi

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