On Tuesday, the government of the United States of America made good on its promise to prohibit visas for anyone who would undermine the Nigerian election process.
During the nationwide governorship and house of assembly elections held on March 18 in Nigeria, the US government claimed to have witnessed firsthand incidents of voter intimidation and violence.
However, Washington praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the significant improvement in election administration in a statement released by the US Embassy in Nigeria.
However, it lamented the rise in violence during the elections in Lagos, Kano, and other states across the nation.
The United States of America pleaded with the Federal Government to investigate the reports of violence and threatened to deny visas to anyone found guilty of attempting to undermine the process.
The sentence was as follows: On March 18, Nigeria held elections for governor and state assembly in the second phase of its electoral process.
“The disturbing acts of violent voter intimidation and suppression that occurred during those polls in Lagos, Kano, and other states are deeply troubling to the United States.” The elections in Lagos and elsewhere were observed by diplomatic staff from the United States, and some of these occurrences were firsthand.
“The use of ethnically charged rhetoric prior to, during, and after the Lagos gubernatorial election was particularly troubling.”
“We affirm Nigerians’ commitment to and respect for the democratic process and commend all Nigerian political actors, religious and community leaders, youth, and citizens who have chosen to reject such violence and speak out against it.
“We ask Nigerian authorities to hold those who have ordered or carried out efforts to intimidate voters and prevent them from voting during the election accountable and bring them to justice.
“The United States will also consider all options, including imposing additional visa restrictions on individuals believed to be complicit in or responsible for undermining Nigeria’s democratic process.”
“The United States reiterates its call for any challenges to election results to be resolved in accordance with established legal procedures that cannot be circumvented.” We also ask Nigerians to cooperate with one another as they participate in and grow the country’s vibrant democracy.
