The Armed Forces and other stakeholders have been commended for the high display of neutrality in the recently concluded presidential elections by the Independent Foreign Observers Mission in Nigeria.
In a report signed by its head of mission, Stuart Young, it stated that the neutrality exhibited by these stakeholders proved instrumental to the overall success of the election.
“There were concerns concerning the ruling party’s position towards ensuring a free and credible electoral process. These concerns were genuinely given past experiences in the electoral cycle in Nigeria.
“The process could be classified as credible and transparent from what was observed in places monitored during the elections.”
The group singled out the armed forces and police for praise for standing neutral in ensuring no interference in the electoral process.
“We commend the Armed Forces and the Police for the display of professionalism throughout the period despite the avalanche of issues in Lagos, Kano and other places hitherto regarded as hotspots during elections in Nigeria.
“Our team of observers in Lagos and Kano buttressed the neutrality and professionalism of the military and other security agencies deployed during and after the elections.”
“It is our opinion that the professionalism displayed reflects the non-partisanship of the military leadership in Nigeria and the military’s role in preserving democracies in Africa and around the world.”
Similarly, the group commended the efforts of other critical stakeholders involved in the electoral process.
In its report, it averred that the electoral process was transparent, and those stakeholders displayed a high sense of responsibility during the conduct of the elections.
“The Independent Foreign Observers Mission rates the election as transparent and reflects the people’s wishes. It is also a drastic improvement from previous elections conducted in the country. It commends the security agencies and other stakeholders that saw to the success of the elections.”
