In the 58-second video published on Wednesday, Blinken expressed the US government's hope for peaceful elections in Nigeria. He added that the Nigerian polls matter to the world, emphasizing the importance of the Nigerian people making their voices heard and choosing their future through the election.
Blinken noted that Nigeria's constitution begins with a simple and profound idea that resonates with America's founding principles. He urged Nigerians to exercise their democratic right to vote and stated that the US government strongly supports peaceful elections in Nigeria.
Thomas-Greenfield, in her address, reiterated the US government's commitment to a free and fair electoral process in Nigeria. She stated that the US is not supporting any individual candidate but is invested in the success of Nigeria as a whole.
The US ambassador emphasized that the success of Nigeria's democratic process is crucial to the two countries' shared democratic futures. She noted that free and fair elections in Nigeria help create a freer and fairer world for everyone.
Thomas-Greenfield also encouraged the Nigerian people to seize the opportunity presented by the election to make their voices heard and participate actively in the democratic process. She expressed the US government's confidence in Nigeria's ability to conduct a peaceful and credible election.
The US government's call for Nigerians to participate actively in the election is not surprising, given the country's strategic importance to the US. Nigeria is a significant regional power in Africa, and a stable and democratic Nigeria is in the US's interest.
The US government has also been involved in supporting Nigeria's democratic process, providing financial and technical assistance to various election-related activities. The US government's support for free and fair elections in Nigeria is also consistent with its foreign policy objectives of promoting democracy and good governance around the world.
Nigeria's electoral history has been marred by irregularities, violence, and vote-rigging, which have undermined the credibility of the process. The US government's call for peaceful elections and its emphasis on the importance of free and fair elections can help bolster the credibility of the electoral process.