U.S. President Barack Obama has called for free, fair elections and rejection of violence. The world’s attention is focused on the presidential and legislative elections that will take place in Nigeria on Saturday, March 28, 2015 considering the volatile security situation in the country caused by the Boko Haram insurgencies and caliber of main contenders; incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan and his main opposition challenger, Muhammadu Buhari.
President Barack Obama of the United States of America (U.S.A.) in a video message released at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja on Monday, March 23 declared, "So I call on all leaders and candidates to make it clear to their supporters that violence has no place in democratic elections - and that they will not incite, support or engage in any kind of violence before, during, or after the votes are counted," Voice of America quoted. "I call on all Nigerians to peacefully express your views and to reject the voices of those who call for violence. And when elections are free and fair, it is the responsibility of all citizens to help keep the peace, no matter who wins, «he is further quoted as saying.
Talking about the atrocities of the Boko Haram terrorist insurgencies, Mr Obama said that “Boko Haram wants to destroy Nigeria and all that you have worked to build. By casting your ballot, you can help secure your nation’s progress.” International Business Times quoted. In an appeal and assurance note, he said, “Today, I urge all Nigerians -- from all religions, all ethnic groups and all regions -- to come together and keep Nigeria one. And in this task of advancing the security, prosperity and human rights of all Nigerians, you will continue to have a friend and partner in the United States of America.” President Obama’s calls for free and fair elections find explanation in the fact that allegations of vote rigging after Jonathan won the 2011 polls set off violent protests in the north that killed some 800 people.
Within the African continent, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is equally interested in the Nigerian elections as its Chairman, Ghana’s President John Draman Mahma held talks with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on March 23. The Commonwealth and African Union, PANAPRESSE reports have announced the deployment of observer missions.
