The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, has admitted that the presidential elections held on February 25 did not live up to the expectations of Nigerians.
Leonard, in an opinion piece titled “The February 25 Elections,” notes that many citizens are not happy with the poll results.
However, she acknowledged that others celebrate victories they believe are hard-won and well-deserved.
Leonard has now called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to urgently address the challenges ahead of the March 11 elections for the House and House of Representatives elections.
“The people of Nigeria demonstrated their dedication to democracy on February 25, but there are many angry and frustrated Nigerians, as well as many who are celebrating victories they believe are hard-won and well-deserved,” the statement read in part.
Bola Tinubu of the ruling Progressive Congress party was declared the winner.
But Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party, DPP, and Peter Obi of the Workers’ Party, LP, are heading to court.
“In the coming days, it will be important for the future of this country that Nigerians do not let their differences divide them, and that the legally established process for resolving election appeals is allowed to run its course,” Leonard added.
The 2023 Presidential Elections Failed to Meet Nigerians’ Expectations – US Envoy
