The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Leonard, on Wednesday, reiterated her country’s support for transparent and credible elections that reflect the will of Nigerians.
She also said the US would not influence or favour any candidate in the general elections.
Leonard, who spoke during a one-day multi-stakeholders dialogue titled “Nigeria’s 2023 Elections: Fostering Youth Action for Peace and Stability” in Abuja, stated that the elections present an opportunity to solidify Nigeria’s place as a democratic leader in Africa.
The programme was organised in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency and the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation.
She said, “The United States supports transparent and credible elections that reflect the will of the people in a process that is conducted peacefully.
“The 2023 elections are a pivotal opportunity for Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and its largest economy, to solidify its place as a democratic leader in Africa. Elections are the foundation of democracy and the basis for the legitimate transfer of power.
“We favour no candidate. We favour only an open, transparent, and peaceful electoral process.”
She added that the US is providing $25m as part of election-related support while expressing confidence in the electoral umpire to conduct the elections.
She said, “Through USAID, the US is providing $25m in election-related support to Nigeria for the 2023 election cycle. “The United States has full confidence in INEC and its ability to organise and conduct credible and transparent elections.
“We saw INEC’s capabilities on display during the recent success of the off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun States, and we look forward to seeing that success extended nationwide during the February and March general elections.”
Continuing, she stressed the US resolve to place visa restrictions on individuals who undermine the electoral process.
“We took steps in the past to impose US visa restrictions against anyone complicit in undermining the electoral process. And in fact, Secretary of State Blinken announced just last week that we’re imposing sanctions to discourage such behaviours,” she added.
