By Samuel Ouma
U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Bob Menendez have jointly introduced a bipartisan resolution reaffirming the country’s unwavering support for democracy and democratic institutions in Nigeria.
The resolution, which calls for transparent, credible, and peaceful elections, comes when the country is preparing to hold its presidential and National Assembly polls on February 25, 2023, and gubernatorial and State Assembly elections on March 11.
“Nigeria’s upcoming elections are a critical test for the resilience of the largest democracy in Africa and essential to stemming the threats to peace, stability, and constitutional democratic rule in the broader region,” said Jim Risch, who is the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Senator Risch said pre-election violence in Nigeria, particularly against the electoral commission, is deeply concerning and threatens to undermine the polls.
On the other hand, Senator Menendez pleaded with the Nigerian administration to guarantee a peaceful election and results that accurately represent Nigerians’ actual preferences.
“Against the backdrop of regional democratic backsliding and pervasive assaults on human rights, the rule of law, and already fragile democratic institutions within Nigeria, election participants and stakeholders’ commitments to promote transparent and credible electoral processes are more critical than ever,” said Menendez.
He reassured Nigerians that the U.S. government will continue to closely monitor the upcoming elections and support the Nigerian people who deserve the right to freely participate in elections that lead to a peaceful transfer of power.
