The Election Observation Mission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called on politicians who contested in Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections in Nigeria to accept the outcome of the polls in good faith.

The advice was contained in the Mission’s preliminary report which was released on Monday and signed by its Head and former Liberian president, Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

“In the spirit of the commitment made in the peace accord of February 13, 2019, the Mission urges the candidates to accept the verdict of the polls in good faith and in case of complaints, to seek redress by legal means solely,” the report read.

While describing the electoral process as largely peaceful, the group said the advice was one of the preliminary conclusions it reached pending the declaration of final results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“The ECOWAS Observation Mission considers the electoral process as largely peaceful and transparent as voters were able to cast their votes freely. The mission commends the general public and voters for their patience and determination to exercise their civic responsibility.

“The mission calls upon INEC and other stakeholders to approach the final phases of the process with fairness and transparency until the announcement of the final results.

“The mission urges INEC to take steps to address the many shortcomings, including operational capacity and systems that were observed all through the process.

“The mission appeals to party leaders, candidates, their supporters and the press to show tolerance and restraint leading up to and after the announcement of the results.

“Finally, the mission congratulates the voters and the great and good people of Nigeria on the patriotism, tolerance, and sense of duty, which contributed to maintaining peace and stability in spite of the many challenges,” it added.