By Lawrence Olaoye
United States of America yesterday offered to assist the Federal Government in the conduct of successful elections in 2015.
The U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, said this yesterday when he paid a courtesy call on the leadership of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja.
“From our own historical experience, we understand the importance of election. The United States will support the Nigerian people in their quest to ensure a credible and transparent election that they want and deserve.
“That is what we stand for and as part of that, I will try to be in touch with all parties to understand them, so that we can be knowledgeable about the electoral process here.
“I think it is incumbent on all of us to work towards this. History shows us that one election can make the difference. It may not happen over night, but genuine change in every society is only possible in a true democratic process,” Entwistle said.
The Ambassador however advised Nigerian politicians against violence during elections, adding that such is a threat to democracy across the world.
Entwistle called on potential party candidates to publicly commit themselves, advising them not to forment or engage in violence before, during and after the election.
He added that it was necessary for politicians to begin to make such commitments from now till the 2015 general election.
Responding, the National Chairman of PDP, Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu said internal democracy in the party is not disputable, stressing that PDP does not believe in the imposition of candidates.
He said that the outcome of Ekiti and Osun elections were a clear testimony of President Goodluck Jonathan’s commitment to credible and transparent polls during and after elections.
He boasted that since the inception of democracy in 1999, PDP is the only party that has remained steadfast; which has not changed its name, colour or Constitution.
Mu’azu added that since he came on board, he promised transparent, free and fair primary and it has been so.
The National Chairman however maintained that the position of President Jonathan and the party on one man, one vote, one woman, one vote and one youth, one vote still stands.
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