The U.S. is supporting the Nigerian democratic process with $15 million in funds for technical assistance, according to U.S. Consular General in Nigeria, Jeffry Hawkins, AllAfrica reports.

Peace is central to a credible election, Hawkins said this week at a press conference in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

Hawkins said his visit was meant to promote violence-free, fair and credible elections in Ekiti State in June and Osun State in August. The U.S. is providing $15 million in funds to provide technical assistance to the electoral umpire, civil societies and political parties in Nigeria.

Th U.S. is determined to strengthen the democratic process by fully engaging all the stakeholders, Hawkins said.