Army reacts to allegations of bias during presidential election

Chika Ebuzor 10:16 - 02 March 2019

Nigerian army troops successfully cleared three areas occupied by terrorists. This happened after an assault carried out with the Nigerian Air Force. - Champion Newspapers

Speaking on the allegations, the spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Col. Sagir Musa said troops deployed on election assignment acted within the law.

The Nigerian Army has reacted to allegations of bias during the presidential election which held on Saturday, February 23, 2019.

According to reports, soldiers were accused of intimidating voters and staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in states like Rivers and Delta.

Nigerian army soldiers stand guard as they cordon off a road leading to the scene of a blast at a business district in Abuja June 25, 2014. REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde

Speaking on the allegations, the spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Col. Sagir Musa said troops deployed on election assignment acted within the law.

Musa added that foreign and local election observers commended the soldiers for their professionalism.

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According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), he said “Our position stands on the verdict given by local and foreign election monitors that commended the Nigerian Army for being professional, proactive, responsive and unbiased.”

Meanwhile, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has alleged that the Nigerian army has finalised plans to disrupt the upcoming governorship and state assembly elections in the state.

According to INEC, the elections will hold on Saturday, March 9, 2019.