INEC Under Enormous Pressure: Statement From The United States

On the Elections in Nigeria

Washington, Feb 24, 2019 | Matt Hadro (202) 225-3765)

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Africa, issued the following statement on the elections in Nigeria:

“Yesterday [23 February 2019], Nigeria voted. Today, votes are being counted. I am very concerned by credible reports that the vote is being tampered with. To avoid any manipulation of the tally, it is critical that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announce without delay actual results — which are certified by party agents and observers — at each polling unit as the vote is tabulated.

“Well-placed sources report that in some states and localities — including Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia — INEC commissioners are receiving enormous pressure to alter poll results.  This must not be allowed to happen.

“The eyes of the United States, of Africa, and the world are upon Nigeria and INEC.  I also ask Secretary Michael Pompeo to hold accountable anyone who seeks to cheat the Nigerian people — who have waited patiently — of their vote or foments violence.”

Source: United States Congress

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Editor’s Note

Nigeria held her 2019 national elections for the offices of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Members of the Nigerian National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) on Saturday, 23 February 2019. The elections were originally scheduled for Saturday, 16 February 2019, but were postponed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). INEC gave logistics problems as one of the reasons for the postponement of the elections.

INEC is Nigeria’s statutory body responsible for the conduct of elections in the country for all national elections for the offices of the President, Senators, and Members of the House of Representatives; and State elections for the offices of State Governor and Members of the House of Assembly of each State.

Following the said postponement, INEC has rescheduled the elections for State Governors and Members of the Houses of Assembly from 2 March 2019 to 9 March 2019.

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