UK, US Governments release Statements on Elections Postponement

The governments of the United Kingdom and the United States have released statements on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)‘s decision to postpone Nigeria’s general elections.

According to Vanguard, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing in a statement in Abuja said the UK understood the frustrations of Nigerians following the postponement.

Laing urged Nigerians to vote on the re-scheduled dates while also challenging political parties to exercise moderation to allow secure environment during the election.

“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 come out to vote next weekend in the re-scheduled elections,” Laing said in the statement.

Catriona Laing also maintained that the High Commission will continue support to Nigeria’s democracy and the 2019 elections “including through redeploying our observer team to be present next weekend.”

The United States of America (USA) in its reaction said it fully supports the decisions of the heads of ECOWAS and other international missions on the postponement of the election in Nigeria.

The US embassy in Nigeria urged Nigerians in a statement in Abuja to support INEC in its bid to conduct free, fair and credible elections in the country.

“US Embassy fully supports the joint statement by the heads of the ECOWAS and other international election observation missions on the postponement of the February 16 Nigerian elections.

“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.”