The United States of America has hailed Nigerians over the conduct of last Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections, saying it was largely peaceful.
It, however, expressed regret over the violence that were perpetrated by a few.
The position of the country, made known by its Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, equally called for caution in the release of unauthorised results, advising Nigerians to wait for the official release of the outcome by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Symington said: “I congratulate the tens of millions of Nigerians who stood patiently in long lines to vote this week and the hundreds of thousands who worked together with INEC to conduct the elections.
“As noted by many observer groups in their preliminary reports, this election was predominantly peaceful, and it was proof of the Nigerian people’s resolute commitment to choose their leaders.
“The peaceful achievement of millions was shadowed by the violence of a few.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives, and we urge all candidates to honor the Peace Accord they signed.
“All should convince those who support them to refrain from using force or violence to interfere with INEC.
“No one should break the law by announcing results before INEC does, or break the peace by claiming victory before the results are final.
“Everyone has a common interest in showing patience as INEC collates and announces the election results.”
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