The British High Commission announced that the UK Minister of State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell MP, is ready to act against individuals who engaged in or incited electoral violence during the recently concluded general elections. The commission said the UK is already compiling a list of perpetrators and will impose sanctions, including denying UK visas and applying measures under the UK’s human‑rights sanctions regime.
In a statement provided to our correspondent on Wednesday, the High Commission confirmed that it is gathering relevant information with a view to taking action against some individuals. The mission, which deployed observers in six states, highlighted several areas of concern. Its observers personally witnessed violence and voter suppression at numerous polling stations. They also received credible reports from other observer missions and civil‑society organisations about vote‑buying, voter intimidation, the destruction and hijacking of election materials, and general disruption of the process in states such as Lagos, Enugu and Rivers.
The commission further noted incidents of harassment targeting journalists, stressing that freedom of speech and a free press are essential for a healthy democracy and that journalists must be able to work without threats. It expressed concern over the use of inflammatory ethno‑religious language by some public and political figures, calling on all leaders not only to distance themselves from such rhetoric but also to prevent their spokespeople from employing it.
Despite the challenges, the statement praised the commitment to democracy shown by many Nigerians who voted despite intimidation and hostility. It also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for improving its performance during the governorship and state House of Assembly elections held on 18 March.
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