US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle
The
United States said it had deployed over 30 election observers in Ekiti
for Saturday (today) governorship election, noting that it is keenly
watching the electoral process with interest.
A statement by the US Ambassador to
Nigeria, James Entwistle, posted on the embassy’s website, observed that
a well-conducted election that reflects the will of the voters would
both constitute an important demonstration of the credibility of the
electoral system as well as bestow legitimacy on the winner of the
election.
The envoy challenged the Independent
National Electoral Commission to ensure that registered voters are able
to cast their ballot efficiently and without hindrance.
He also called on the security services
to provide security in an impartial, judicious manner; and the
candidates and parties to play by the rules at every step of the
process, while also encouraging voters to go to the polls.
Entwistle said, “This Saturday, June 21,
will be a very important day in the life of Ekiti residents, as they go
to one of the state’s 2,195 polling units to select their next governor.
“A well-conducted election in Ekiti that
is free of violence and that accurately reflects the will of the voters
would both constitute an important demonstration of the credibility of
the electoral system as well as bestow legitimacy on the winner of the
election.
“The United States Mission to Nigeria
will be watching this election with great interest, and will have more
than 30 credentialed election observers on the ground in Ekiti on
election day. We hope all electoral stakeholders will seek to meet the
high standards that the Nigerian people demand and expect.” Punchng
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