The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Monday had a meeting with the United States Assistant Secretary of State for Bureau of Africa Affairs, Molly Phee; and the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard.

The meeting which was held in Abuja, happened hours after Yakubu’s meeting with leaders of political parties ahead of the general elections.

The US Assistant Secretary of State, while speaking noted that the February general elections “matter to the United States,” because according to her, the US is interested in consolidating democracy, and doing so peacefully.

She also expressed her optimism that the elections would be conducted under a peaceful atmosphere in order to protect democracy, as the country has demonstrated since 1999.

Making further clarification, Phee noted that the US does not have a preferred candidate, but that it supports the electoral process.

In his remarks, the INEC Chairman said the Commission was interested in consolidating the gains of democracy.

The chairman reassured the delegation that the commission was on track and would conduct the elections as scheduled, boasting that 12 out of all 14 pre-election activities in the schedule have been activated.