2019 Election: We have no preferred candidate – US
The United States of America has declared that they are not in a position to endorse any candidate during the 2019 general elections in Nigeria, but will only assist the country organise its electoral process.
The US Deputy Secretary of States, John Sullivan stated this yesterday during a media interaction at the end of the US-Nigeria Binational Commission (BNC) meeting in Abuja.
Sullivan said that the United States government has been assisting Nigeria in articulating an acceptable electoral process, but added that the US is not interested in who emerges as the president of the country after the 2019 general elections. He said that both countries have started a four year collaboration plan which was tested at the just concluded governorship election in Anambra State.
According to him, “We want free and fair election in Nigeria. Any statement from US is to ensure free election not to endorse any candidate.”
Reacting to the question that it took President Trump’s administration more than ten months to send a high ranking US official to Nigeria, the envoy responded that although no official had come earlier, President Buhari has visited the White House on several occasions and both countries are in close collaboration.
“Both countries have been talking. We have organised several investment dialogues, we have started and we will continue as we move forward,” Sullivan stated.
He said that Trump’s administration is working in partnership with the Nigerian government to strengthen bilateral relationship, adding that the US will always protect the interest of Nigeria.
On economic growth and advancement, Sullivan said that US business community will always bring to Nigeria those products which are of high quality that will be of immense value to the country.
According to him, US is not just in competition with Asia on Nigerian market, but intends to bring those products that will add value to Nigerians.
“We are not in competition just for fun. We want US business community to bring competitive products to Nigeria at a competitive price.”
Myke Uzendu, Abuja
