The United Kingdom government has announced that politicians who engaged in or incited electoral violence and other anti‑democratic behaviours during the March 18 governorship and state assembly elections in Lagos, Rivers and Enugu states are likely to face a visa ban. The British High Commission made the statement on Wednesday, signed by Senior Communications and Public Diplomacy Officer Atinuke Akande‑Alegbe, adding that it is gathering relevant information to take action against such individuals. This announcement comes just 24 hours after the United States government warned it would take “all available actions” against those who undermined Nigeria’s recently concluded elections.
The British statement noted credible reports from other observer missions and civil‑society organisations of vote‑buying, voter intimidation, the destruction and hijacking of election materials, and general disruption of the process in numerous states, including Lagos, Enugu and Rivers. “We can confirm that we are collating relevant information, with a view to taking action against some individuals,” the commission said.
On February 21, UK Minister of State for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell MP declared that the UK is prepared to act against those who engage in or incite electoral violence and other anti‑democratic behaviours. Possible measures include denying UK visas or imposing sanctions under the UK’s human‑rights sanctions regime.
The British Commission also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for improved logistics during the governorship elections, especially compared with the presidential election three weeks earlier. More polling units opened on time, there was greater evidence of BVAS and IREV functioning, and results were uploaded in real‑time from polling units and collation centres—positive markers for future elections.
Nevertheless, members of the UK observation mission reported violence and voter suppression at numerous voting locations on Saturday. The commission condemned the harassment of journalists, emphasizing that a free press is essential for a healthy democracy and that journalists must be able to work without threats.
The statement continued: “The UK is concerned by the use of inflammatory ethno‑religious language by some public and political figures. We call on all leaders not only to distance themselves from such language but also to prevent those speaking on their behalf from using it.” It urged any party or individual wishing to challenge the election process or outcome to do so peacefully and through appropriate legal channels, noting that the UK will monitor any legal challenges.
“The 2023 elections are not only important to Nigeria and Nigerians, but to Africa and the world as a whole. As a long‑term partner, the UK is committed to strengthening ties between our countries and peoples, including by supporting democratic development,” the statement added. The commission also praised the commitment to democracy shown by many Nigerians despite intimidation and hostility.
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