Election in Nigeria

Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari the winner of Saturday’s presidential election. Despite many challenges and problems, INEC has significantly strengthened the integrity of the election process, with the result that a large majority of the population was able to vote freely. International and national election observers agree on their assessment of the election. There does not seem to have been any extensive or systematic attempt to manipulate the results.

‘INEC deserves recognition for the way it has prepared and carried out this historic election in Nigeria. Civil society organisations in the country have also made an invaluable contribution to the satisfactory and relatively peaceful election process. We welcome President Goodluck Jonathan’s active support for the Electoral Commission’s work, and his acceptance of the result. It is crucial that supporters of the two main contestants proceed in an orderly manner so that Nigeria does not experience violent episodes as it has following previous elections,’ said Mr Brende.