US vice President Biden Calls Jonathan, Buhari
… Hails INEC Over PVCs
The Vice President of the United States of America, Mr. Joe Biden on Wednesday spoke with President Goodluck Jonathan and the presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the Nigerian presidential election, which is scheduled for March 28.
Biden’s call was made available through a statement issued by the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria and obtained by our correspondent.
Biden hailed both leading candidates for signing the Abuja peace accord reiterating their commitment to the conduct of a peaceful poll across the country.
The American vice president also hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its efforts towards ensuring the conduct of credible and transparent elections and also for its efforts to deliver Permanent Voter Cards and help ensure that electronic voter card readers are in place and fully operational.
Biden also expressed concerns 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.
He further 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.
Below is the Full Text
Vice President Biden spoke today 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.
