Catriona Laing, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, said the British High Commission commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its efforts during the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections. In a statement provided to our correspondent on Wednesday, the Commission noted that its observers deployed to six states witnessed the timely opening of polling units, an improved Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and a functional INEC Results Viewing portal—advancements compared with the presidential and National Assembly elections held on 25 February.
The statement read in part: “The British High Commission observed the gubernatorial elections on 18 March, sending teams to Benue, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Oyo and Rivers States. We observed improvements in election logistics by INEC during the gubernatorial elections, particularly when compared to the presidential elections. More polling units opened on time, there was greater evidence of BVAS and IREV working, and results were uploaded in real‑time from polling units and collation centres. These are positive markers to build on for future elections.”
However, the Commission also expressed concern over the increased violence, vote‑buying, voter intimidation and suppression that marred the 18 March elections. “Members of our observation mission personally observed violence and voter suppression in numerous voting locations,” the statement said. “We witnessed and received 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 several states, including Lagos, Enugu and Rivers.” The observers also noted incidents of harassment of journalists, stressing that freedom of speech and a free press are crucial for a healthy democracy and that journalists must be able to work without threat.
The UK condemned the use of inflammatory ethno‑religious language by some public and political figures, calling on leaders to distance themselves from such rhetoric and to prevent its propagation. “It is a testament to their commitment to democracy that many Nigerians were prepared to vote despite intimidation and hostility,” the statement added.
The UK also warned that it would sanction perpetrators of electoral violence and other anti‑democratic behaviours. The Minister of State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell MP, said on 21 February that the UK is prepared to take action, which could include denying UK visas or imposing sanctions under the human‑rights sanctions regime. “We are collating relevant information with a view to taking action against some individuals,” the statement said. “We urge any party or individual who wishes to challenge the process or outcome of the elections to do so peacefully and through the appropriate legal channels. We will be observing the course of legal challenges made.”
Finally, the statement emphasized that the 2023 elections are significant not only for Nigeria but for Africa and the world. As a long‑term partner, the UK remains committed to strengthening ties between the two countries and peoples, including by supporting democratic development.
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