Politics

#NigeriaDecides: ECOWAS speaks ahead of Saturday’s elections

Published

6 years ago

February 22, 2019

The ECOWAS Election Observer Mission has commended Nigerians for their patience and calm ahead of elections in Nigeria on Saturday.

The head of the mission, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirfleaf, at a news briefing in Abuja on Friday, said the international community had watched the progress INEC had made to address the challenges faced.

Johnson-Sirleaf said the progress made by the commission signalled a “deepening and building of confidence in the electoral processes’’.

“We extend thanks, admiration and gratitude to the Nigerian people for their patience in the face of the last minute interruptions to their lives with the postponement of the 2019 general elections.
“We have watched the progress of INEC over the past week working together with domestic and international partners in addressing their logistical and technical challenges.
“We are pleased that these operational constraints have been significantly addressed, this resting a conducive atmosphere for tomorrow’s general elections.

“We commend our brothers and sisters across the length and breadth of this great country for remaining calm and resilient as these concerns were addressed.”
She also commended political leaders for signing the 2019 Peace Accord and described it as a further demonstration of the commitment of Nigeria to democracy.
She expressed confidence that the same level of maturity would be demonstrated during the remaining phase of the electoral process.

“We applaud Nigeria for the pivotal role played in maintaining peace and the restoration of democracy in our sub-region.”