On Thursday, US Vice President Joe Biden urged Nigerians to exercise patience and restraint as poll officials tabulated their ballots.
Prior to the polls on Saturday, February 25, Biden praised political parties and presidential candidates for signing the peace agreement in a statement from the US Embassy in Nigeria.
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On election day, Biden urged Americans to turn out in order to exercise their fundamental right to vote and have their opinions heard.
According to the statement, the US President said, “I commend yesterday’s peace pact in Nigeria, signed by the political parties and candidates participating in Nigeria’s February 25 presidential election.
“By pledging to uphold a peaceful transfer of power and accepting the election results as announced by the Independent National Election Commission, the parties and candidates have vowed to do so.
“Elections are an essential component of a healthy democracy, and Nigerians as a whole deserve the opportunity to freely and fairly select their future. Despite not endorsing any particular candidate or party, the United States is firmly in favor of a fair election that respects the will of the Nigerian people.
“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 supports the people of Nigeria as they forge a path to a future that is more democratic, economic, and safe. I value President Buhari’s unequivocal pledge that the people’s wishes will be honoured.
And I urge voters to be calm and patient as their votes are counted in the upcoming days. I also call on the political parties and candidates to keep their word.
Meanwhile, the United States, on Thursday, donated $25m to support Nigeria in conducting free, fair and credible election.
