WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), the Committee’s Ranking Member; Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), Chair of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations; and Rep. Chris Smith (R-J), the Subcommittee’s Ranking Member today released the following statement on Nigeria’s upcoming presidential elections:

“As Nigeria marks 20 years since the country’s return to democracy, we applaud Nigerian citizens’ continued efforts to make their voices heard at the ballot box. Nigeria must show its ongoing commitment to democracy as an important example for other countries across the continent.

“Nigeria’s electoral institutions played a critical role in ensuring that the 2015 elections were carried out in a transparent, fair, and peaceful manner. We hope to see that tradition continue during this 2019 election cycle. We call on all parties, participating candidates, and security forces to support a peaceful and transparent process without intimidation, corruption, or incitement of violence. It is critical that the final result reflects the true will of the Nigerian people.

“We stand with the citizens of Nigeria during this historic moment, and encourage a peaceful, free, fair, and credible electoral process.”

Background: Last month, Representatives Bass, Engel, Smith, Steve Chabot (R-OH), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), and Gregory Meeks (D-NY) introduced H.Con.Res 4 calling for credible, transparent, and peaceful elections in Nigeria.