The United States’ Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, has cautioned candidates and political parties against claiming victories at the polls.
Noting that the predominantly peaceful exercise was overshadowed by the violence of a few individuals, the envoy admonished the people not to break the law by announcing results before official announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Symington, in a statement in Abuja on Monday, also urged all candidates to honour the peace accord they signed.
He sympathised with the families of those who lost their lives.
The statement read, “All should convince those who support them to refrain from using force or violence to interfere with INEC.
“No one should break the law by announcing results before INEC does, or break the peace by claiming victory before the results are final.
“Everyone has a common interest in showing patience as INEC collates and announces the election results.”
The ambassador hailed Nigerians for participating in the elections which he said were largely peaceful, adding that this was proof of the people’s commitment to choose their leaders.
Calling for support for INEC, Symington congratulated the millions of Nigerians who stood patiently to vote in last Saturday’s elections and the thousands who worked together with the electoral commission to conduct the polls.
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