credibility of the Presidential and National Assembly elections in
Nigeria, held February 23 2019, saying credible reports indicates results
are being tampered with.
Smith, a ranking member of the House Sub Committee on Africa in a
statement listed states such as Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo and Abia
states as places pressures are being mounted on the Independent National
Electoral Commission, INEC, to alter results.
The statement reads:
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on
Africa, issued the following statement on the elections in Nigeria:
“Yesterday, Nigeria voted. Today, votes are being counted. I am
very concerned by credible reports that the vote is being
tampered with. To avoid any manipulation of the tally, it is
critical that the Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) announce without delay actual results — which are
certified by party agents and observers — at each polling unit
as the vote is tabulated.
“Well-placed sources report that in some states and localities —
including Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia — INEC commissioners
are receiving enormous pressure to alter poll results. This
must not be allowed to happen.
“The eyes of the United States, of Africa, and the world are
upon Nigeria and INEC. I also ask Secretary Michael Pompeo to
hold accountable anyone who seeks to cheat the Nigerian people —
who have waited patiently — of their vote or foments violence.”