In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ban condemned the attacks reportedly carried out by Boko Haram and others who attempted to disrupt the polling.

He said, “He is encouraged by the determination and resilience shown by the Nigerian people in pressing forward and exercising their civic duties in the face of unjustifiable violence.”

The Secretary-General's statement goes on to encourages all Nigerians to continue to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and to exercise patience throughout the ongoing voting process and the announcement of the final results.

“He calls on all actors to channel any complaints that might arise through the established dispute resolution mechanisms,” the statement says, adding that the UN chief believes that the successful conclusion of the electoral process will mark an important step forward in further consolidating democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.

Photo: UN Photo/Paulo Filgueiras (file photo)