The United States secretary of state, Micheal Pompeo, has said those who interfere in Nigeria’s election must be held accountable.
This was contained in a statement released by the US state department.
Noting that the elections are Nigeria’s opportunity to retain its position as the democratic leader in Africa, Pompeo said, “the United States government supports a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful election that reflects the will of the Nigerian people.”
“It is critical that the Independent National Electoral Commission operates free from outside pressure and intimidation and in a totally objective manner.
“Nigerian security services must provide a safe and secure environment for the Nigerian people to exercise their rights. Those who interfere in the electoral process or incite violence must be held to account.
“The upcoming elections are an opportunity for Nigeria to solidify its place as a democratic leader in Africa.”
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It will be recalled that, Nasir el-Rufai, the governor of Kaduna state, incurred the wrath of the international community with his threat of returning foreigners who try to meddle in Nigeria’s elections to their home countries in body bags.
The European Union swiftly responded that, “we are aware of the comments by the Governor of Kaduna about non-interference by foreigners during a talk show on the elections Tuesday 5 February,” the statement read.
“The EU only deploys an election observation mission when it is invited to do so by the authorities of a country. The EU has been invited to observe all of the general elections in Nigeria since 1999. Thus this is the sixth time the EU is observing elections in Nigeria.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission invited the EU to deploy an observation mission for the 2019 general elections.”