Obama Calls for Peaceful, Free and Fair Elections

President Barack Obama

•  Warns Boko Haram wants to destroy Nigeria

Damilola Oyedele in Abuja and Zacheaus Somorin in Lagos

Regardless of the outcome of the 2015 general election, it is the responsibility of all Nigerians to help keep the peace, as violence should have no place in democracy.

This was the crux of the message by United States (US) President Barack Obama as Nigerians head to the polls Saturday for the presidential election.
In a video message released by the White House yesterday, the US president acknowledged that Nigeria had won its independence, emerged from military rule, and strengthened democratic institutions.

“You’ve strived to overcome division and to turn Nigeria’s diversity into a source of strength.  You’ve worked hard to improve the lives of your families and to build the largest economy in Africa,” he said.

In this regard, Obama stated that Nigerians have a historic opportunity to help write the next chapter of their nation's progress, by voting in the upcoming elections, stressing that Nigerians must be able to cast their votes without intimidation or fear, for the elections to be credible, free, fair and peaceful.

He called on all leaders and candidates to make it clear to their supporters that violence has no place in democratic elections, “and that they will not incite, support or engage in any kind of violence—before, during, or after the votes are counted”.

“I call on all Nigerians to peacefully express your views and to reject the voices of those who call for violence.  And when elections are free and fair, it is the responsibility of all citizens to help keep the peace, no matter who wins,” Obama stated.

He added that successful elections and democratic progress would help Nigeria meet the urgent challenges the country faces today, noting that Boko Haram—a brutal terrorist group that kills innocent men, women and children—must be stopped.

“Hundreds of kidnapped children deserve to be returned to their families. Nigerians who have been forced to flee deserve to return to their homes. Boko Haram wants to destroy Nigeria and all that you have worked to build. By casting your ballot, you can help secure your nation’s progress.

“I’m told that there is a saying in your country: ‘to keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done.’  Today, I urge all Nigerians—from all religions, all ethnic groups, and all regions—to come together and keep Nigeria one.

“And in this task of advancing the security, prosperity, and human rights of all Nigerians, you will continue to have a friend and partner in the United States of America,” he promised.

Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Observer Group has also said it is critical for Nigeria's general election to be peaceful and must be in accordance with the rule of law and other democratic values.

The chairperson of the observer group to Nigeria's 2015 elections and former President of Malawi, Dr. Bakili Muluzi, speaking at a press conference in Abuja yesterday, added that conducting the elections in a very democratic manner by providing an environment for credible elections is important.

“We will assess whether the elections are conducted according to the standards for democratic elections to which Nigeria has committed itself, including the constitutional framework and national legislation as well as Commonwealth and other international commitments,” he said.

Muluzi said that the group had already met with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, adding that there has been some improvement in the level of preparedness by the commission following the postponement of the general election last month.

He disclosed that the group, comprising 10 people, would be working with other election observers from other organisations such as the European Union and ECOWAS.