Presidential election: AU calls on Nigerians to resort to legal instruments in seeking redress

The Head of the African Union Election Observation Mission, Mr Hailemariam Desalegn has warned Nigerians against misinformation on Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections in Nigeria.

Mr Hailemariam Desalegn issued the warning in a statement by the mission presented in Abuja on Monday.

Dasalegn called on political parties to resort to legal instruments in seeking redress any grievances concerning the presidential results.

The mission leader urged political parties and candidates to uphold the commitments to peaceful elections and resolution of disputes in keeping with the two peace accords signed in December 2018 and shortly before the elections.

He said: “The mission calls on Nigerians and other stakeholders to act responsibly in the use of social media and refrain from disseminating false information on the elections, particularly the results.

“Election took place in a relatively peaceful environment, in spite of delays in polling units visited, and that voters exercised their rights to participate without systematic restriction.

“The secrecy of the votes was guaranteed in 85.4 per cent of the voting points observed. Where it was not guaranteed, it was mainly due to poor layout of the voting points.

“Polling procedures, such as verification and accreditation of voters were adhered to in 98.4 per cent of the voting points observed.

“Presidential candidates are further urged to call on their supporters to remain calm and peaceful and refrain from any action that might incite post-election violence.

“In any case of grievances over election results, political parties and candidates are encouraged to use legal instruments at their disposal to seek redress.”