For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 2, 2003
Statement on Nigerian Elections
Statement by the Deputy Press Secretary
On April 19, the Nigerian people took part in the first
civilian-administered elections in two decades. The United States
congratulates the people of Nigeria for what was largely a peaceful
expression and exercise of their right to vote. They have demonstrated
their patience and their unwavering commitment to building democracy in
their country. The widespread violence predicted by many did not
happen, and voter turnout in most places was encouraging.
The United States congratulates President Olusegun Obasanjo on his
re-election as declared on April 22 by the Nigerian Independent
National Electoral Commission. President Bush looks forward to working
with President Obasanjo on our common interests and to deepen the
strong and enduring friendship between the United States and Nigeria.
The United States notes with concern the reports by domestic and
international election monitors of voting irregularities in specific
states. We welcome the decision by the two major political parties and
others to use the Nigerian Electoral Tribunal to redress the problems
cited by voting monitors. We commend the leading opposition candidate,
General (Ret.) Muhammadu Buhari, for his commitment to pursue a
peaceful and legal resolution to the grievances he had with the conduct
of the April elections. We urge the Nigerian authorities to safeguard
a credible and transparent legal grievance process.
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