The joint observation mission of the US National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute has noted that INEC improved the processes for the conduct of the polls on 9th March. However, it also observed violence, intimidation, widespread voter apathy, which drove low voter turnout in the electoral process. According to John Tomaszewski, the IRI Regional Director for Africa, “A heavy military presence and vote buying in some locations, as well as irregularities in the vote counting and collation process served to undermine the integrity of the elections in those locations.” Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh of NDI, who co-led the delegation called on Nigerians to claim, protect and defend their democracy and respect the rights of fellow citizens to participate peacefully in the electoral process. While highlighting that the mission will continue to watch the remaining phases of the electoral process, the group also recognised that the credibility of the elections will only be determined by the Nigerian people.