US, UK back observation teams on polls shift

Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

The United States (US) and the United Kingdom, have thrown their weight behind the joint statement issued by the various election observation teams for the 2019 elections.

The U.S. Embassy, Abuja, in a statement by its Public Affairs Section, said it fully supported the joint statement by the heads of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other international election observation missions on the postponement of the February 16, elections.

Recall that the election observers had called on Nigerians to remain calm in the face of shift in the presidential, National, governorship and House of Assembly elections in the country.

The observers further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use the one week period to finalise all preparations and ensure that the new election dates were strictly adhered to.

“We join in encouraging all Nigerians to ensure a free, fair, peaceful, and credible election by supporting the Independent National Electoral Commission while it finalises electoral preparations this week and by voting in peace together on February 23,” the US said.

In its reaction, the UK also said it supported the joint statement by the election observers.

“The British High Commission supports the joint statement made by the heads of the international observer missions on the postponement of the 2019 Nigerian elections.

“We recognise the frustrations of many Nigerians, including those involved in the delivery, supervision and observation of the election and those who travelled considerable distances to exercise their democratic right to vote.

“We urge the Nigerian people to be patient, support the democratic process and come out to vote next weekend in the rescheduled elections,” British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, said in a statement.

The UK further urged all political parties to exercise moderation and to preserve an atmosphere of peace and calm to allow elections to take place in a secure environment.

The British envoy also said the British High Commission remained a staunch supporter of Nigerian democracy and would continue to support the 2019 elections, including through redeploying its observer team to be present next weekend.