Chris Smith, a ranking member of the United States House Subcommittee on Africa, has alleged that votes are being tampered with in the ongoing Nigerian elections.

In a message posted on the US House website on Sunday, Chris Smith is quoted thus:

“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, 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 — of their vote or foments violence.”

Nigerians voted, with minor hitches, on Saturday for presidential and National Assembly positions in the 36 states of the country.

The results, presently being collated, have already being questioned by the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

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