US backs peace accord by parties, candidates, urges Nigerian to vote

President Joe Biden of the United States of America on Thursday urged Nigerians to go out on Saturday and vote for their preferred candidates,

Biden, who declared his support for a peaceful and transparent process that reflected the will of Nigerians, added that his country did not support any candidate.

In a Thursday statement by the Public Affaira Section of the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, the US President added that the peace accord signed by parties and the candidates in Abuja on Wednesday showed that the political leaders in the country had committed to accept the result of the election.

The statement reads, “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.”