England said it was concerned about voter killing and post election violence in the Nigerian election.
“What we are most worried about is voter suppression, trying to prevent people from coming out to vote. Maybe what we are most worried about is post-election violence like we saw when Jonathan took over…,” British High Commissioner to Nigeria Catriona Laing said.
Addressing the press at his residence in Abuja, he stated that leaders of various political parties should prevent their supporters from such violence, adding that if any supporters feel that the election was stolen and their candidate should win, there is a risk. from violence.
“It is very important for the democracy of Nigeria that people respect the results… and if you feel there is any reason the elections in your area are not credible or transparent, there is a process and that is the courts,” he said.
Emphasizing the power of the courts, Ms Laing noted the need for judges not to be put under pressure, act unfairly and objectively look at the evidence and the rules in accordance with the rule of law.
“Judges must be seen to act fairly and impartially,” he said.
The absolute foundation of democracy is the rule of law and the rule of law gives people confidence, said Ms Laing.
Despite these concerns, he said the UK was very confident that Nigeria’s electoral commission, INEC, and security agencies were ready for the election.
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“Nigeria should be very proud because it has stuck with democracy since 1999. This is an achievement that should not be underestimated considering your region, with many countries experiencing coups, the president refused to step down…,” he said.
There are 14 candidates competing in Nigeria’s presidential election with four front-line presidential candidates being considered. The four front line candidates are Tinubu ball from APC, Atiku Abubakar from PDP, Peter Obi of the Labor Party and Rabiu Kwankwaso from NNPP.
The West African country will hold presidential elections on February 25 and national elections on March 11.
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