USA’ll support Nigeria’s 2015 elections, says envoy

The United States has promised to assist Nigeria in order to have credible and peaceful elections in 2015.

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, who made the promise on behalf of his country, said that US was interested in peaceful elections in Nigeria.

He stated this on Wednesday in Abuja when he paid a courtesy call on members of the National Working
Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, led by its National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu.

Entwistle added that the United State would support Nigeria because of the long standing relationship between both countries.

He said, “From our own historical experience, we understand the importance of election. The United States will support the Nigerian people in their quest to ensure a credible and transparent election that they want and deserve.

“That is what we stand for and as part of that, I will try to be in touch with all parties to understand them, so that we can be knowledgeable about the electoral process here.

“I think it is incumbent on all of us to work towards this, history shows us that one election can make the difference. It may not happen over night, but genuine change in every society is only possible in a true democratic process.’’

The ambassador advised Nigerian politicians against violence during elections, which he said was threatening democracy across the world.

Entwistle encouraged potential party candidates to publicly commit themselves that “they would not encourage, foment or engage in violence before, during and after the elections.

He added that it was necessary for politicians to begin to make such commitments from now till the 2015 general election.

In his comment, Mu’azu said the party had always insisted in a free and fair election, adding that this was demonstrated with the conduct of governorship elections in both Ekiti and Osun States.

Apart from this, he added that President Goodluck Jonathan has continued to insist on one man, one vote which he said the party was proud of.

He added that in order to win elections and have the confidence of the voters, the ruling party would continue to present credible candidates for elective offices.

Mu’azu said, “We will always present credible candidates who can win elections. We will continue to provide internal-driven democracy that will be driven by the people.

“We will,  by the grace of God, work for the people of Nigeria. Our leader, the President has through our party, been campaigning that voting should be one man one vote.

“We take time to advertise this in national dailies to make sure that we will continue to have cordial relationship with the people and the international community.