A ranking member of the United States House Subcommittee on Africa, Chris Smith says he has received reports that votes in Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections in Nigeria are being tampered with.

In a message which he posted on the US House website, Smith called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare only results certified by party agents and observers at various polling units.

The post read: “Yesterday, Nigeria voted. Today, votes are being counted. I am very concerned by credible reports that the vote is being tampered with.

“To avoid any manipulation of the tally, it is critical that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announce without delay actual results which are certified by party agents and observers at each polling unit as the vote is tabulated.

“Well-placed sources report that in some states and localities including Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo and Abia  INEC Commissioners are receiving enormous pressure to alter poll results. This must not be allowed to happen.

“The eyes of the United States, of Africa and the world are upon Nigeria and INEC. I also ask Secretary Michael Pompeo to hold accountable anyone who seeks to cheat the Nigerian people who have waited patiently for their vote or foment violence.”