United States Vice-President Joe Biden has told President Goodluck Jonathan and his main opponent in the March 28 presidential poll, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, that violence has no place in a democracy.
Biden, who spoke with both candidates yesterday, urged them to remain committed to the peace accord they signed. He also supported the deployment of card readers in the March 28th and April 11th elections.
He praised the candidates for signing the Abuja Accord, expressing support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
A statement issued by the US Embassy in Nigeria reads:
“U.S. Vice President Joe Biden spoke yesterday with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the Nigerian presidential election, which is scheduled for March 28.
“The Vice President commended President Jonathan and General Buhari for signing the Abuja Accord in mid-January as a show of their commitment to non-violence throughout the election process.
“The Vice President further expressed the United States’ support for the Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission and its work to deliver free, fair, and credible elections, in part through its essential efforts to distribute Permanent Voter Cards and help ensure that electronic voter card readers are in place and fully operational.
“He also noted his concern about the violence during some recent election-related events and reiterated the need for both candidates to make clear that such violence has no place in democratic elections.
“Vice President Biden affirmed that the United States stands with the Nigerian people in support of credible and peaceful elections, and will continue to stand with the Nigerian people whatever the outcome.”
Head of European Union Delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Ambassador Michel Arrion has also called for violence-free polls across Nigeria. He said the European Union are friends of Nigeria and Nigerians.
Arrion spoke in Port Harcourt when he visited the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State Dr. Dakuku Peterside. The envoy, who expressed anxiety over increasing tension ahead of the March 28 and April 11 elections, called on political actors to play by the rules to avoid violence or anything that is capable of discrediting the elections.
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