February 23, (THEWILL) – U.S. President Joe Biden has commended yesterday’s peace accord signed by political parties and candidates in Saturday’s presidential election. In a statement issued on Thursday, President Biden said:
“I commend yesterday’s peace accord in Nigeria, signed by the political parties and candidates running in Nigeria’s presidential election on February 25. By signing this pledge, the parties and candidates have committed to accept the results of the election, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, and to support a peaceful transition of power.
“Elections are a fundamental part of a functioning democracy, and all Nigerians deserve this chance to choose their future — freely and fairly. While the United States does not support any single candidate or party, we strongly support a peaceful and transparent process that reflects the will of the people of Nigeria. On election day, I encourage all Nigerians — no matter their religion, region, or ethnicity —to exercise this fundamental freedom and make their voices heard — including young voters, many of whom may be heading to the ballot box for the first time.
“The United States stands with the Nigerian people as they chart a path toward a more democratic, prosperous, and secure future. I appreciate President Buhari’s firm commitment that the will of the people will be respected. And in the coming days, I encourage voters to remain peaceful and patient as their ballots are tallied, and urge the political parties and candidates to live up to their pledge.”
Earlier in a joint podcast, U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken; USAID Administrator, Samantha Power and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas Greenfield, assured Nigerians of full support while urging them to vote wisely and make their choice.
“During this election, the people of Nigeria have a chance to make your voices heard, to choose your future,” Blinken said as Thomas-Greenfield maintained that “The United States does not support any individual candidate for office,” adding, “Because free and fair elections in Nigeria help create a freer and fairer world for everyone.”
The U.S. Ambassador to the U.N further maintained: “We’ve invested in your success . Our shared democratic futures depend on it,” as the Secretary of state assured that “The Nigerian people have a friend and partner in the United States of America.”
The Nigerian general elections begin on Saturday, February 25 with the presidential and National Assembly elections.
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