The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Leonard, has stated that her country favours no candidate in the forthcoming elections.
Speaking on the polls on Wednesday at a one-day multi-stakeholders dialogue titled, ‘Nigeria’s 2023 Elections: Fostering Youth action for peace and stability, in Abuja, Leonard disclosed that the United States only wants an open, transparent and peaceful electoral process.
While reiterating her nation’s support for credible elections, she added that the upcoming polls afford citizens the opportunity to solidify Nigeria as a democratic leader in Africa.
“First, let me start by sharing with you as I’ve shared with other Nigerian groups, my government’s view on the upcoming elections in Nigeria.
“The United States supports transparent and credible elections that reflect the will of the people in a process that is conducted peacefully.
“The 2023 elections are a pivotal opportunity for Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and its largest economy, to solidify its place as a democratic leader in Africa.
“Elections are the foundation of democracy and the basis for the legitimate transfer of power.
“We favour no candidate. We favour only an open, transparent and peaceful electoral process.
“Through USAID, the US is providing $25 million in elections-related support to Nigeria for the 2023 election cycle.
“The United States has full confidence in INEC and its ability to organise and conduct credible and transparent elections.
“We saw INEC’s capabilities on display during the success of the recent off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun states and we look forward to seeing that success extended nationwide during the February and March general elections”, she stated.