The United States Ambassador, W. Stuart Symington, Monday,
warned political parties who participated in the ongoing
presidential and national assembly elections, to refrain from using
force and violence to interfere with the Independent National
Electoral Commission, INEC.
Disclosing this in a statement, Symington charged political
parties to convince those who support them to equally refrain from
using force.
He congratulated tens of millions of Nigerians who stood
patiently in long lines to vote this week and also lauded hundreds
of thousands who worked together with INEC to conduct the
elections.
Symington also urged all candidates to honour the Peace Accord
they signed, noting that the elections were free and fair according
to the reports presented by many observer groups.
Read the full statement below:
“I congratulate the tens of millions of Nigerians who stood
patiently in long lines to vote this week and the hundreds of
thousands who worked together with INEC to conduct the
elections.
“As noted by many observer groups in their preliminary
reports, this election was predominantly peaceful, and it was proof
of the Nigerian people’s resolute commitment to choose their
leaders.
“The peaceful achievement of millions was shadowed by the
violence of a few. We extend our deepest sympathy to the families
of those who lost their lives, and we urge all candidates to honor
the Peace Accord they signed.
“All should convince those who support them to refrain from
using force or violence to interfere with INEC.
“No one should break the law by announcing results before
INEC does, or break the peace by claiming victory before the
results are final. Everyone has a common interest in showing
patience as INEC collates and announces the election
results.
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