The US government asked Nigerian authorities on Tuesday to hold accountable and bring to justice those found guilty of voter intimidation during the governorship elections.
In a press statement, the US embassy in Abuja said, “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.”
According to media reports and election observer groups, Saturday’s governorship elections were marked by widespread violence, voter intimidation, and suppression.
The United States is deeply troubled by the disturbing acts of violent voter intimidation and suppression that took place during the March 18 polls in Lagos, Kano, and other states.
Read the Press Statement on the March 18 #NigeriaElections » https://t.co/GDNonijpn9 pic.twitter.com/9mYv9nE4YG— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) March 21, 2023
The US said its observers witnessed some of these uncivil acts first-hand. “Members of the U.S. diplomatic mission observed the elections in Lagos and elsewhere and witnessed some of these incidents first-hand.”
It noted that it is “deeply troubled” by the acts that took place during the polls in Lagos, Kano, and other states. It also found the use of ethnically charged rhetoric before, during, and after the gubernatorial election in Lagos 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, it added.
The US said it will explore all available actions, including additional visa restrictions, on individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Nigeria.
The United States renews its call for any challenges to election results to go through established legal processes, which must not be interfered with. https://t.co/GDNonijpn9
— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) March 21, 2023
It went further to commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for improving voting processes and technical elements that experienced flaws in the presidential election.
“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,” it noted.
