2019 election: We’ve no anointed candidate, says US

From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

The government of the United States of America affirmed that it will support Nigeria’s electoral processes, but has no anointed candidate ahead of the 2019 general elections.
Philip Franz Seitz, the Political Officer of the United States embassy in Nigeria made this assertion yesterday during a courtesy visit to Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari.
He expressed the readiness of the United States to support the country in ensuring a free and credible election next year.
“The United States supports free, fair, transparent and credible elections. We are looking forward to a peaceful electoral process in 2019,” he said.
He emphasized that the United States has no anointed candidate in this elections, “our candidate is the process.”
Governor Masari, was represented by the Special Adviser/Permanent Secretary Government house, Alhaji Muntari Lawal.
While assuring that the current administration would not interfere with the activities of INEC, he promised the US official of the state government’s support in ensuring fruitful deliberations with relevant stakeholders during his stay in the state.
He urged the US government to expand its relationship with the state to cover other sectors.
According to him, the state has some indigenous students studying in the United States and would appreciate it very much if the US Embassy in Nigeria improves its relationship with the state government to reap more benefits.
Speaking on the achievements recorded by the current administration in the state, Masari noted that the state is politically rancour free, and the government has been able to contain many security challenges, particularly cattle rustling and banditry.