Clinton leads U.S. team to monitor April polls

Posted by admin Elections 2011 Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

President Goodluck Jonathan (left),Vice President Namadi Sambo(middle), and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Tony Anenih, acknowledging cheers at the party’s presidential campaign rally in Benin City … on Tuesday.

American Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, may lead a high-powered delegation to observe and monitor the April elections in Nigeria.

White House sources disclosed that the U.S. President, Barack Obama, considers the polls in Nigeria very vital to the stability of the region and believes that it is important to send a strong message to that effect.

“The administration has great hope for Nigeria and believes the success of the polls will have a positive impact on the sub-region”, an official stated.

Daily Independent learnt that the trip would also lay the foundation for a possible state visit by Obama, if the polls are free and fair.

Already, the State Department has sent an advanced team to monitor preparations leading to the elections, even as the officials will hold discussions with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, leaders of political parties and civil society groups.

“The administration wants a complete picture of preparations for the elections and to ensure that a level playing field is in place to give credibility to the process”, an official stated.

The elections have come increasingly under the radar of the administration after President Obama visited neighbouring Ghana because of that country’s electoral success.

Sources said Nigerian officials have been lobbying the State Department and White House to schedule a presidential visit.

“The condition for a presidential visit has been communicated to the Nigerian government. Getting April elections right will boost the chances of a presidential visit this year”, top administration officials stated. The Nigerian Embassy is also working to convince Washington of government’s sincerity to hold free, fair and credible polls.

Investigations showed that several senior government officials have briefed many American government agencies on the polls.

The Americans are also monitoring several developments on the judicial front and are in touch with the Justice Ministry for clarification on some contentious issues.

“We have received assurances from the highest levels of the Nigerian government, that all contentious issues will be resolved before the elections in April”, White House sources said.wp_posts