U.S. ON NIGERIA’S ELECTION

21/03/23

Shina J O

PRESS RELEASE

The United States says it is deeply troubled by the disturbing acts of violence, voter intimidation and suppression that took place during the governorship and state assembly polls in Lagos, Kano, and other states in Nigeria.

In a statement, the U.S.says members of the diplomatic mission observed the elections in Lagos and elsewhere and witnessed some of these incidents first-hand.

The use of ethnically charged rhetoric before, during, and after the election in Lagos was particularly concerning.

The U.S. therefore, called on Nigerian authorities to hold accountable and bring to justice, any individuals found to have ordered or carried out efforts to intimidate voters and suppress voting during the election process.

The United States promised to consider all available actions, including additional visa restrictions, on individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Nigeria.

The U.S. commended Nigerian political actors, religious and community leaders, youth, and citizens who have chosen to reject and speak out against such violence and inflammatory language, affirming Nigerians’ commitment to and respect for the democratic process.

The United States also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve voting processes and technical elements that experienced flaws in that voting round, noting that
The March 18 elections appear to have had significant operational improvements, as polling stations generally opened on time, and most results were visible on an electronic viewing platform in a timely manner.

The IS government has also renewed its call for any challenges to election results to go through established legal processes, which must not be interfered with.