US senator warns Biden against congratulating Tinubu

US Senator Jim Risch has cautioned the United States and President Joe Biden against accepting the outcome of Nigeria’s presidential election, which was held on February 25, 2023.

The election was won by Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Despite the declaration of a winner, there were several alleged irregularities and shortcomings in the electoral process.

Reports suggest that some key states recorded fabricated figures, while glitches connected to the Result Viewing Portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were also reported.

In a statement released on Friday, Senator Risch, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, warned that the “rush” to embrace the election results would undermine the US’ ability to be an effective partner to all Nigerians, especially given their longstanding desire for democracy.

He expressed disappointment in the Nigerian electoral process, which is widely viewed as deeply flawed by election observers and many Nigerians.

Senator Risch stated that the US should be more concerned with supporting the Nigerian people and their democratic aspirations rather than embracing the Nigerian government.

He also pointed out that Nigeria would be heading into state-level elections in just a few days, on March 11, and that it was important for the US to remain focused on supporting the Nigerian people.