2023 Election: U.S. Vows To Place Visa Restriction On Nigerians Involved, Supported Election Violence

After proper observation of the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria flawed with electoral violence, intimidation and voters suppression, the United States has vowed to place visa restriction on individuals believed to be responsible for undermining the democratic process in Nigeria

VerseNews Nigeria reports that this was contained in a statement released Tuesday, on 21 March 2023 by U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria.

U.S in the statement expressed disappointment by the disturbing acts of violent, voter intimidation and suppression in Lagos, Kano, others that took place during the presidential and National assembly elections on Saturday, February 25 and the Governorship and House of Assembly elections conducted on Saturday, March 18.

The Embassy stated they observed the elections processes particularly in Lagos and condemned the use of ethnically charged rhetoric before, during and after the gubernatorial elections.

U.S. alongside other international observers urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve voting processes and technical elements that experienced flaws in that voting round.

It also tasked the Nigerian authorities to hold accountable and bring to justice any individual found guilty to have ordered or carried out efforts to intimidate voters and suppress voting during the election process

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The statement reads; “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 U.S. 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 gubernatorial election in Lagos was particularly concerning.  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.”

“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.”