Tobias Sylvester
US lawmaker, Chris Smith (R-NJ), a ranking member of the House Subcommittee in Africa has raised concern about the credibility of Saturday’s election and warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to release the results immediately to avoid manipulation.
Chris Smith issued this warning in a statement released on Sunday following the presidential and national assembly elections in Nigeria. The statement reads:
“Yesterday, Nigeria voted. Today, votes are being counted. I am very concerned by credible reports that the vote is being tampered with. To avoid any manipulation of the tally, it is critical that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announce without delay actual results — which are certified by party agents and observers — at each polling unit as the vote is tabulated.
“Well-placed sources report that in some states and localities — including Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia — INEC commissioners are receiving enormous pressure to alter poll results. This must not be allowed to happen.
“The eyes of the United States, of Africa, and the world are upon Nigeria and INEC. I also ask Secretary Michael Pompeo to hold accountable anyone who seeks to cheat the Nigerian people — who have waited patiently — of their vote or foments violence.”
