The United Nations, this week, said it has supported the Nigerian elections with $60 million as it joins a long list of international organisations and world leaders who are keen about the West African country’s polls.

UN Secretary-General High Level Representative to Nigeria, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, disclosed the donation at a press conference in Abuja where he explained UN’s interest in the elections. “Even at the United Nations, Nigeria is a member of the Security Council. Nigeria on the African continent, is a natural leader providing leadership in the past and present on the issuer of peace and security.”

He stressed that Nigeria is also the biggest economy in Africa and it is politically acknowledged as leader.  “[…]Nigeria is also the largest democracy in Africa and definitely one of the largest democracies in this world.

“It is for this reason that the United Nations is particularly interested in this election and wants to be of help.”

Chambas disclosed that the UN had deployed a Needs Assessment Mission several months ago. Its decision to dole out $60 million was based on the mission’s assessment and recommendations.

Apart from the donation, the UN representative said that the body has been working with all Nigerian stakeholders – the leadership of political parties, the civil society organisations, among others – to ensure peaceful and credible elections.

Among important world figures and organisations to have shown keen interest in Nigeria’s elections are US President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister David Cameron, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems and the International Republican Institute, among others.