US says vote buying may affect Nigeria’s election results

The United States on Thursday warned that with party agents and leaders openly offering people cash for votes, it is feared that money could be the determining factor in Nigeria’s upcoming elections.

Addressing a UN Security Council meeting on West Africa, US Deputy Ambassador Jonathan Cohen urged Nigerian authorities, politicians, civil society and community leaders to ensure the vote is free and fair.

The United States sees a “risk that widespread vote-buying could challenge the integrity of the election process,” said Cohen.

“We are concerned about reports of intimidation and partisanship by security forces, heightened insecurity and inability of internally displaced persons or persons with disabilities to vote,” he said.