Voters waiting for accreditation and voting at Baba Ewe bus stop, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos, on Feb. 25, 2023. Photo: Stanley Ogidi
The United States has condemned the voter intimidation and heightened violence that marred Saturday’s governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections in Nigeria. The rescheduled elections were held in 28 states, and incidents of violence and intimidation were reported.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the U.S. Embassy noted that, although the March 18 polls showed significant operational improvements, the United States remains deeply troubled by the disturbing acts of violent voter intimidation and suppression that occurred in Lagos, Kano, and other states. Members of the diplomatic mission observed the elections in Lagos and elsewhere and witnessed some of these incidents firsthand.
The statement highlighted particular concern over the use of ethnically charged rhetoric before, during, and after the Lagos gubernatorial election. It commended Nigerian political actors, religious and community leaders, youth, and citizens who rejected and spoke out against such violence and inflammatory language, viewing their actions as a sign of respect for the democratic process.
The United States also warned that perpetrators could face sanctions and called on Nigerian authorities to investigate reports of election violence. It urged the authorities to hold accountable anyone who ordered or carried out efforts to intimidate voters or suppress voting. The United States said it would consider all available actions, including additional visa restrictions, against individuals believed to be responsible for or complicit in undermining Nigeria’s democratic process.
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