US Mission Nigeria.
The United States (US) Mission Nigeria has roundly condemned the violence that pockmarked Nigeria’s 2023 General Elections, particularly the Gubernatorial and State Houses of Assembly elections on Saturday, March 18, 2023.
“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,” the US Mission Nigeria stated on its website.
Noting that “members of the US diplomatic mission observed the elections in Lagos and elsewhere and witnessed some of these incidents first-hand,” the US Mission Nigeria lamented that “the use of ethnically charged rhetoric before, during, and after the gubernatorial election in Lagos was particularly concerning.”
It said further: “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 US Mission Nigeria explained that following the Saturday, February 25, 2023, Presidential and National Assembly elections, the US joined other international observers in urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve on the flaws experienced in that voting round.
It said: “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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