Presidential election: The will of Nigerians must prevail – Biden

United States President Joe Biden has said the outcome of the general election, especially the presidential poll, must reflect the will of the people.

This is as the North America’s country number one citizen called for peaceful and credible elections in Nigeria on Saturday February 25.

More than 93 million registered voters are going the polls to queue up behind their favourite candidates in the Presidential and National Assembly Elections.

President Biden, in a statement on Thursday, hailed the accord by the presidential candidates and political parties on Wednesday.

The frontrunner are Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Atiku Abubakar, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; Rabiu Kwankwaso, New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, favoured by most of the polls.

Biden said by signing the pledge, the parties and candidates have committed to accept the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and to support a peaceful transition of power.

“Elections are a fundamental part of a functioning democracy, and all Nigerians deserve this chance to choose their future — freely and fairly”, Biden said.

“While the United States does not support any single candidate or party, we strongly support a peaceful and transparent process that reflects the will of the people of Nigeria.

“On election day, I encourage all Nigerians — no matter their religion, region, or ethnicity —to exercise this fundamental freedom and make their voices heard — including young voters, many of whom may be heading to the ballot box for the first time.”

Biden stressed that America stands with the Nigerian people as they chart a path toward a more democratic, prosperous, and secure future.

“I appreciate President Buhari’s firm commitment that the will of the people will be respected,” the U.S. leader added.

President Biden encouraged voters to remain peaceful and patient as their ballots are tallied, and urged the political parties and candidates to live up to their pledge.