The United States Government will impose visa sanctions on those who were said to have undermined the Gubernatorial and State Houses of Assembly elections held on March 18, 2023, across Nigeria.
The U.S. Embassy in Abuja disclosed this in a statement and urged the Nigerian authorities to hold accountable and bring to justice any individuals found to have suppressed voting during the election process or intimidate voters.
The statement reads in part: “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.”
The Embassy noted that there was a significant operational improvement in the March 18 elections, as polling stations generally opened on time and most results were visible on an electronic viewing platform.
“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 on Nigerians to work together as they participate in and continue to strengthen the country’s vibrant democracy,” the statement added.
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