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The United States has asked the National Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to resist external "pressure and intimidation" in the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 16 and March 2.
In a statement to the press, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said the upcoming elections in Nigeria would be an opportunity for the country to strengthen its democratic leadership in Africa.
Pompeo said, "The US government supports free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people.
"It is essential that the National Independent Electoral Commission operate without outside pressure, intimidation and in a totally objective manner.
"Nigerian security services must create a safe environment for the Nigerian people to exercise their rights.
"Those who are ingesting the electoral process or inciting violence must be held accountable.
"The next elections are an opportunity for Nigeria to consolidate its position of democratic leader in Africa".
The United States and the international community have continued to call for credible and peaceful general elections in the country.
The country described the 2014 Nigerian general election as a "critical test" for the country, the ECOWAS subregion and the continent as a whole.
The United States also warned of violence in Nigeria's February and March 2019 general elections, saying they would remain "intensely focused" on the elections.
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