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British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, has told PDP, Labour Party, APC and other political parties to accept the results of the presidential poll and other elections, urging them to refrain from actions that would instigate post-election violence.
Ms Laing said this while addressing journalists on Thursday in Abuja. She reiterated the United Kingdom’s support of Nigeria’s political process. She recommended the judiciary to parties and candidates that feel the process was not fair and wish to contest the results.
“The election in Nigeria is really important, not just for all of you as Nigerian citizens, but for this region, West Africa, where sadly, we have seen a lot of democratic backsliding, and for the world. The world’s eyes will be on Nigeria and are on Nigeria, and what happens here will send a very strong signal,” stated the UK ambassador.
She added, “Following the last elections, we have continued to invest in trying to create the right conditions for a free and fair, secured election, recognising, of course, that it is a job for Nigeria. But we try to play our part, so we work very closely with INEC (and) civil societies to ensure that they are fit for the purpose.”
The British ambassador stressed that the head of political parties “in particular must commit to respect the outcomes of the votes and signal that” to all of their supporters.
“And if indeed they are going to contest anything, it should be done through the judicial process, not through any violence. And so, the Peace Accord which was signed on the 29th of September is so important and I am very pleased to see that there will be a second signing on the 23rd of February and I will be there representing the UK,” she explained. “The UK remains absolutely in step with you as you continue your democratic journey.”
(NAN)
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