Ondo Poll: Again, US Calls For Transparent Election on Oct 10

The United States Government has called on political actors, stakeholders in Ondo State to ensure a free and fair poll.

The state’s governorship poll is scheduled to hold on Saturday, October 10.

The US Embassy in Abuja, in a statement on Tuesday, said it was necessary for the outcome of the election in Ondo to reflect the will of the people and not otherwise.

“The United States urges all stakeholders to continue to work toward free, fair, transparent, and peaceful elections in Ondo State.

“We reiterate our hope that all participants in the democratic process, including the INEC, political parties, and the security services, will take concrete steps to ensure a peaceful election that reflects the will of the people of Ondo.

“The United States remains committed to the U.S.-Nigeria partnership as we work together to achieve our mutual goals of peace and prosperity for the citizens of both our countries,” the statement read.

THE WHISTLER earlier reported that the US had on September 14, imposed a visa ban on certain Nigerians for undermining elections in Kogi, Bayelsa states as well as the “run up to the September and October 2020 Edo and Ondo State elections.”

The Edo state election was eventually won by Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to a statement by the US Department of State Spokesperson, Morgan Ortagus, Nigeria deserves a transparent electoral process.

Her full statement reads:

“In a statement on January 24, 2019, the U.S. Government said we would consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for individuals responsible for undermining the Nigerian democratic process or for organizing election-related violence.

“In July 2019, we announced the imposition of visa restrictions on Nigerians who undermined the February and March 2019 elections.

“Today, the Secretary of State is imposing additional visa restrictions on individuals for their actions surrounding the November 2019 Kogi and Bayelsa State elections and in the run up to the September and October 2020 Edo and Ondo State elections.

“These individuals have so far operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and have undermined democratic principles.

“The United States is a steadfast supporter of Nigerian democracy. We commend all those Nigerians who participated in elections throughout 2019 and have worked to strengthen Nigerian democratic institutions and processes.

“We remain committed to working together to advance democracy and respect for human rights and achieve greater peace and prosperity for both our nations.

“We condemn the acts of violence, intimidation, or corruption that harmed Nigerians and undermined the democratic process.

“As the Edo and Ondo State off-cycle elections near, we urge all stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, the political parties, and the security services, to uphold the tenets of democracy and facilitate genuinely free and fair elections, conducted in an appropriately transparent and non-violent manner.

“The Department of State emphasizes that the actions announced today are specific to certain individuals and not directed at the Nigerian people.

“This decision reflects the Department of State’s commitment to working with the Nigerian government to realize its expressed commitment to end corruption and strengthen democracy, accountability, and respect for human rights.”