US dangles visa ban on electoral offenders, tells Abuja to hold them accountable
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
America says it saw all the ethnic baiting, voter intimidation, violence, and fraud that went on in the 2023 elections in Nigeria and plans to impose visa ban on the perpetrators.
The US Embassy noted the governorship and state Assembly elections on March 18 had operational improvements compared with the presidential and National Assembly (NASS) ballot on February 25, but there was still violence.
It commended those who spoke out against intimidation and violence, describing it as a sign of respect for the democratic process.
“Nigeria carried out the second round of its electoral process with gubernatorial and state Assembly elections on March 18.
“The United States is deeply troubled by the disturbing acts of violent voter intimidation and suppression that took place during those polls in Lagos, Kano, and other states.
“Members of the US diplomatic mission observed the elections in Lagos and elsewhere and witnessed some of these incidents first-hand,” the embassy said in a statement.
“The use of ethnically-charged rhetoric before, during and after the gubernatorial election in Lagos was particularly concerning.”
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Nigeria should hold electoral offenders accountable
“We commend all 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 statement added, per Vanguard.
“We call 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 likewise, will consider all available actions, including additional visa restrictions, on individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Nigeria.
“Following the February 25 national elections, the United States joined other international observers in urging the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC], to improve voting processes and technical elements that experienced flaws in that voting round.
“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 United States renews its call for any challenges to election results to go through established legal processes, which must not be interfered with.
“We further call for Nigeria’s people to work together as they participate in and continue to strengthen the country’s vibrant democracy.”
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