U.S. Tells Keyamo: We Remain Neutral, Not Backing Atiku

U.S. Reaffirms Neutrality in Nigeria’s Election, Denies Supporting Atiku

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has rejected allegations that it was supporting Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2019 general elections, insisting that it remained neutral and had no preferred candidate.

The clarification followed criticism from Festus Keyamo, then Director of Strategic Communications for President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign, who accused U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria W. Stuart Symington and other foreign diplomats of making statements that appeared critical of the Federal Government.

Keyamo had argued that repeated comments by foreign diplomats concerning the conduct of the elections could create the impression that the Nigerian government intended to manipulate the polls in favour of President Buhari.

He maintained that foreign representatives should encourage credible elections without appearing to interfere in Nigeria’s internal political affairs.

Responding to the allegations, Symington rejected claims that the United States had abandoned its neutrality or was interfering in Nigeria’s electoral process.

“The United States Embassy in Nigeria wishes to reiterate unequivocally that we are not taking sides in Nigeria’s election. We do not support any party or candidate,” the embassy said.

The United States stressed that its interest was in promoting a level playing field and supporting a peaceful, democratic and credible electoral process.

The embassy also warned Nigerians against misinformation and rumours circulating ahead of the February 16 presidential election, reiterating that the choice of Nigeria’s next leader belonged solely to Nigerian voters.

“This is Nigeria’s election, and the citizens of Nigeria will decide who will lead their nation,” it stated.

According to the embassy, conducting peaceful, free, fair and transparent elections would help ensure that Nigerians regarded the eventual results as credible.

It recalled Nigeria’s 2015 general elections as an example of a democratic process that strengthened the country’s international standing and expressed hope that the 2019 elections would produce a similarly credible outcome.

The United States further described Nigeria as an important regional partner and said its longstanding relationship with the country would continue regardless of which candidate won the election.

It noted that the U.S. provided significant health and humanitarian assistance to Nigeria and maintained that such cooperation would not be affected by the outcome of the presidential election.

The embassy also expressed support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and called on political parties, government officials, security agencies and citizens to respect Nigerian law and support a peaceful electoral process.

It welcomed the signing of peace accords by presidential and other candidates and urged political leaders and their supporters to translate those commitments into peaceful conduct before, during and after voting.

The United States concluded by stressing that peaceful elections were in the interest of all Nigerians and that every citizen had a responsibility to contribute to a free, fair, transparent and credible electoral process.