The US says that the elections in Nigeria “did not meet the expectations of the population”

March 6 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The United States ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Leonard, has affirmed that the elections held on February 25 in the country “did not meet the expectations of the population”, amid opposition complaints about irregularities after the announcement of the candidate’s victory. pro-government party, Bola Tinubu, in the presidential elections.

“It is clear that the electoral process as a whole did not meet the expectations of Nigerians,” he said, before highlighting the progress achieved in the more than two decades since “the return to democracy”, including “a progressive improvement in the quality of the elections.

“We recognize that Nigerians want this positive trend to continue,” he said, while asking the electoral commission to “address quickly” the appeals filed by the opposition, something he hopes it will do before the gubernatorial elections on 11 of March.

Likewise, he has demanded that he “carry out a comprehensive review of the problems that arose during the last elections and what can be done to solve them” and has asked that he “share with the Nigerian public the information about the actions that he is carrying out.”

Leonard has stated that “the people of Nigeria have shown their dedication to democracy”, although he has acknowledged that “there are so many angry and frustrated as they celebrate victories that they consider deserved”.

“Over the next few days, it will be important for the future of this country that Nigerians do not allow their differences to divide them and that the legally established process to resolve claims continues,” he stressed, before applauding the Atiku opposition leaders. Abubakar and Peter Obi for announcing that they will follow this path and Tinubu for “acknowledging their right to do so”.

“America is no stranger to election-related controversies and conflict. While it can be unsatisfying to end an election process in court, in a constitutional democracy that adheres to the rule of law, that’s where they properly end.” he has argued.

Finally, he stressed that “the Nigerian people have made clear their desire for inclusive and responsive governance.” “We strongly support your ability to express this right. The United States and Nigeria are two of the largest presidential democracies in the world and long-standing partners. As Nigeria goes through the coming weeks and months, we stand with you,” he added.

The winner of the election will replace Muhammadu Buhari, who was unable to run because he has already served the term limit set by the Nigerian Constitution. The elections also mark the first time since the return of the country to civilian rule in 1999 in which none of the candidates is a former military leader, as was the case with Buhari, who led the country between December 1983 and August. 1985 after a coup.