Yesterday, the United States (U.S.) government made it clear that it does not have a favourite candidate or political party among those running for office in the general elections of 2023.

This was said by Molly Phee, assistant secretary of state for African affairs of the United States, while she was leading a group on a courtesy visit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja.

Mary Beth Leonard, the United States ambassador to Nigeria, and Rolf Olson, the political counselor at the American embassy in Nigeria, also attended the discussion, which took place for a few hours after Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of INEC, met with leaders of political parties.

They also emphasized the necessity for Nigeria to hold credible elections that are free, fair, and would ensure a peaceful transfer of power.