Eko Hot Blog reports that the United States (US) has condemned acts of violent voter intimidation and suppression that plagued the governorship and house of assembly elections in some parts of Nigeria, including Lagos and Kano States last Saturday.
In a statement on Tuesday, the US said members of its diplomatic mission witnessed some of the violent incidents in Lagos first-hand.
The country also lamented the ethnic rhetoric that dominated the discourse of the just concluded Lagos governorship election.
While commending Nigerians who rejected and spoke out against violence and inflammatory language, the US called on federal and state governments to hold accountable and bring to justice the sponsors of voter intimidation and suppression.
The country said it will also consider all available actions, including additional visa restrictions, on individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the electoral process.
“Nigeria carried out the second round of its electoral process with gubernatorial and state assembly elections on March 18. The United States is deeply troubled by the disturbing acts of violent voter intimidation and suppression that took place during those polls in Lagos, Kano, and other states,” the statement reads.
A photo of an electoral violence scene in Lagos
“Members of the U.S. diplomatic mission observed the elections in Lagos and elsewhere and witnessed some of these incidents first-hand. The use of ethnically charged rhetoric before, during, and after the gubernatorial election in Lagos was particularly concerning.
“We commend all Nigerian political actors, religious and community leaders, youth, and citizens who have chosen to reject and speak out against such violence and inflammatory language, affirming Nigerians’ commitment to and respect for the democratic process.
“We call on Nigerian authorities to hold accountable and bring to justice any individuals found to have ordered or carried out efforts to intimidate voters and suppress voting during the election process.
“The United States likewise will consider all available actions, including additional visa restrictions, on individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Nigeria.”
The US renewed its call for any challenges to election results to go through established legal processes, which must not be interfered with.
“We further call for Nigeria’s people to work together as they participate in and continue to strengthen the country’s vibrant democracy,” the country added.
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