The US does not have a preferred candidate - US Ambassador to Nigeria

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Monday met with the United States Assistant Secretary of State for Bureau of Africa Affairs, Molly Phee; and the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard.

The meeting was held in Abuja, after Yakubu had converged on 2023 general elections with leaders of political parties .

The US Assistant Secretary of State, in her remarks, pointed out that the forthcoming general elections “matter to the United States,” because according to her, the US is interested in consolidating democracy, and doing so peacefully. She also expressed her conviction that the elections would be peacefully conducted and democracy protected, as the country has demonstrated since 1999.

She said:” The United States wants to encourage a successful election that is free, fair and peaceful in Nigeria. I am happy to say that we have great confidence that you will have a successful election. 

“Since 1999 Nigeria has been moving up significantly in its democratic journey and with INEC under the leadership of its chairman and support of his staff, all Nigerians have confidence in the integrity of the upcoming election. “Nigerians should have confidence in their electoral process.

 We are happy to be here with you today, we are proud of our contributions to helping you meet the challenges of conducting elections in a diverse country. 

Phee also noted that the US does not have a preferred candidate, but that it supports the electoral process. In his remarks, the INEC Chairman said the Commission is interested in consolidating the gains of democracy.

The chairman reassured the delegation that the commission is on the right path to conducting the elections as scheduled as 12 out of all 14 pre-election activities in the schedule have been implemented.