The United States government has expressed  disappointment over the scale of irregularities which characterized the 2019 general elections in Nigeria.

According to a statement reportedly sent to one of Nigeria’s prime online publications, Premium Times on Thursday, the US said from the reports it garnered from observer groups, there was large-scale voter intimidation, vote buying, interference by security forces and violence during the elections in parts of the country.

The US however urged stakeholders and security agencies to ensure a free, fair, credible, transparent and peaceful electoral process ahead of the supplementary governorship elections holding on Saturday and in future elections.

In the statement, the US government also extended its condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives during the election, adding that it would continue to support Nigeria’s democratic process.

“As noted by many observer groups in their preliminary reports, we too were disappointed by the low voter turnout as well as credible reports of voter intimidation, vote buying, interference by security forces and violence in some locations.

“As the 2019 electoral cycle comes to an end, we urge all stakeholders to work towards a free, fair, credible, transparent, and peaceful process, especially for the many Nigerians across the country who again will go to polls on Saturday.

“We encourage all stakeholders, including INEC, political parties, and the security services, to continue to improve the electoral process for future elections.

“We are saddened by those acts of violence and extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives, including those who worked for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security services,” the statement read.

While stressing that the United States has no preferred candidates in the elections, the statement assured that the US would remain committed to working with Nigeria to achieve  mutual goals for both countries.

”The United States supports a democratic process where the will of the Nigerian people is reflected in the results. As long-time friends of Nigeria, we continue to follow closely the still ongoing elections. We do not have a preferred party or candidate.

”We look to Nigeria as an important leader on the African continent. As a democratic partner of Nigeria, the United States remains committed to working together to achieve our mutual goals of peace and prosperity for the citizens of both our countries,” it added.