"All Nigerians deserve this chance to choose their future freely and fairly - Joe Biden releases statement on Nigeria's upcoming Election

US president, Joe Biden has released a statement concerning the 2023 Nigerian presidential elections which would take place on Saturday February 25.

Nigerians head to the polls this weekend to decide their leader for the next 4 years. The four major candidates for the presidential election include Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC.

In Biden's statement released today, February 23, he commended Buhari for his commitment to a free and fair election while praising the candidates for signing a peace accord ahead of the election.

Biden's statement reads;

I commend yesterday's peace accord in Nigeria, signed by the political parties and candidates running in Nigeria's presidential election on February 25.  By signing this pledge, the parties and candidates have committed to accept the results of the election, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, and to support a peaceful transition of power.

Elections are a fundamental part of a functioning democracy, and all Nigerians deserve this chance to choose their future - freely and fairly.  While the United States does not support any single candidate or party, we strongly support a peaceful and transparent process that reflects the will of the people of Nigeria.  On election day, I encourage all Nigerians - no matter their religion, region, or ethnicity -to exercise this fundamental freedom and make their voices heard - including young voters, many of whom may be heading to the ballot box for the first time.

The United States stands with the Nigerian people as they chart a path toward a more democratic, prosperous, and secure future.  I appreciate President Buhari's firm commitment that the will of the people will be respected.  And in the coming days, I encourage voters to remain peaceful and patient as their ballots are tallied, and urge the political parties and candidates to live up to their pledge.