The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, W. Stuart
Symington, has urged all candidates in the Nigerian elections to convince their
supporters to refrain from using violence or force to interfere with the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Symington, in a statement issued on the Nigerian
elections on Monday, said: “We urge all candidates to honour the ‘Peace Accord’
they signed. All should convince their supporters to refrain from using force
or violence to interfere with INEC.
“No one should break the law by announcing results
before INEC does or break the peace by claiming victory before the results are
finally announced. Everyone has a common interest in showing patience as INEC
collates and announces the election results.”
The ambassador congratulated Nigerians who stood
patiently in long lines to vote this week and those who worked together with
INEC to conduct the elections.
“As noted by many observer groups in their
preliminary reports, this election was predominantly peaceful, and it was proof
of the Nigerian people’s resolute commitment to choose their leaders. The peaceful achievement of millions was however
over shadowed by the violence of a few.
We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who lost their
lives,” the ambassador said in the stated.
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