The United States says it is not
supporting any candidate for the February 16 presidential election in Nigeria.
Dismissing news and perceptions
of partisanship, the US embassy in Nigeria released a statement to say the
country’s over $1 billion aid to Nigeria will continue, no matter who wins the
elections on Saturday.
Earlier, Festus Keyamo, spokesman
of President Muhammadu Buhari reelection campaign, said the United States has
displayed its double standard for the world to see, by protecting and seemingly
supporting Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Keyamo said that Stuart
Symington, the US ambassador to Nigeria, “seems to be saying that only a PDP
victory will be evidence of a fair election”.
But in a message from Symington
on Tuesday, the US envoy stated categorically that his country was not backing
any candidate at all, adding that his country supports a level playing field.
“The United States Embassy in
Nigeria wishes to reiterate unequivocally that we are not taking sides in
Nigeria’s election. We do not support
any party or candidate,” the statement read.
“We support a level playing field
and the democratic process. That is the
bedrock principle of our Government’s advocacy on democratic elections.
“In the final run-up to the Feb.
16 vote, fake news and rumours are operating in overdrive. But it must be repeated: we are not taking sides.
“This is Nigeria’s election and
the citizens of Nigeria will decide who will lead their nation. It is important
for the future of every Nigerian and it is important that every Nigerian
contribute to making it a democratic, peaceful, free and fair process.
“This will ensure that all
Nigerians see the results as credible, and they accept them. This will empower
Nigeria’s democracy going forward, as did the elections of 2015.”
OUR AID TO NIGERIA IS CONSTANT
The US stated that no matter who
wins the election, its contributions to Nigeria will remain, stating that
America is an enduring friend of Nigeria.
“The United States is Nigeria’s
long-term and enduring friend. We
provide more than $1 billion in assistance and help save more than 2 million
lives of Nigerians each year through our health and humanitarian
assistance. This will not change. We are Nigeria’s good partner, and this will
continue after this democratic election – no matter who wins.
“This election is Nigeria’s, but
it is also important for Nigeria’s neighbours and for the world. Nigeria has long played a great leadership
role in the region and beyond as a force for democratic stability.
“The credible electoral results
of 2015 empowered Nigeria to play that role. The United States looks forward to
a similar result this week.
“We support the democratic
process and the work of the Independent National Electoral Commission in
managing the elections. We call on every
Nigerian citizen, official, party member, and the security forces to peacefully
support Nigeria’s democratic process in accordance with Nigerian law.
“The United States welcomed the
signing of Peace Accords by the candidates for President and other
offices. Now is the time to grow that
peace by ensuring all get the message and put it into action so that both the voting
and the aftermath are peaceful and fully respect the democratic process.
“Peace benefits all Nigerians and
peace is the responsibility of every citizen as you work together to ensure
your elections are free, fair, transparent, and credible.”
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