US donates $25m to support 2023 elections
The United States donated $25 million on Thursday to help Nigeria hold free, fair, and credible elections.
This was revealed by US Ambassador to Nigeria Mary Leonard during a roundtable discussion with journalists in Abuja on Thursday.
Leonard praised Nigeria for maintaining a peaceful and consistent democracy, noting that the US has collaborated with the Independent National Electoral Commission in preparation for the upcoming election.
"So, we have long been involved in democracy and governance through programs in Nigeria, and we are probably spending about 25 million dollars with particular reference to this election," she said.
"We're doing a lot of things. First and foremost, we are sponsoring an independent observation mission with a high-powered delegation of US Veterans; they are independent of us, but we have assisted in their facilitation.
"We have worked with INEC itself, on sort of the technical aspects, for example, we trained some 1,800 technical workers on how to troubleshoot the BVAS and those people in their turns have trained hundreds of thousands of other people.
"So that come election day, if there is any trouble with the technology, people will be around to know how to fix it.
"I believe we have had a well-rounded interaction regarding this election, and we are once again looking forward to peaceful elections."
She stated that every Nigerian was responsible for ensuring a peaceful process and urged leaders to take their commitments seriously.
"Everyone has an obligation to contribute to a peaceful execution of elections; security agencies have a formal role, politicians have a role, campaigns have a role, and individuals have a role," Leonard said.
"Some of the things you see on social media are disturbing, with inciting of violence, and I think all Nigerians have to think about that carefully, your vote is your voice.
"We urged the candidate and political parties to respect the outcomes of the elections and the National Peace Commission should be commended for their roles.
"I hope leaders take their promises seriously," Leonard said.
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