The audio recording of the phone conversation between the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, ahead of last Saturday’s rescheduled presidential poll, has leaked.
In the phone conversation, which reportedly take place before the elections were postponed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, Pompeo was heard assuring Atiku of the commitment of the US Government to a free and fair election in Nigeria.
He said “I wanted to call to wish you well, and to let you know that the United States is looking forward to a free and fair, transparent, and peaceful election process.”
“We need a credible election, and I am counting on the fact that you are instructing the PDP to refrain from vote-buying, and intimidation, and all the things that would interfere with the right of your people, and damage the credibility of the election.”
Atiku, on his part, asked Pompeo to keep a close watch on the nation during the elections.
The former vice president said, “I have been involved in all the transitions in the country since 1999, but as for this one, the greatest challenge is the credibility, transparency, and accountability of the process.”
“I can assure you on our own part. We will play by the rules, and by the provision of our constitution.”