The United States has expressed its concern over the recent gubernatorial and house of assembly elections held in Nigeria, stating that it will consider all available actions against those who undermined the democratic process.
The US embassy in Nigeria revealed that it witnessed first-hand cases of voter intimidation, suppression, and the use of ethnically charged rhetoric in Lagos, Kano, and other states.
In a statement released by the embassy, it called on the Nigerian authorities to ensure that those who aided voter suppression are brought to book.
It also urged the Federal Government and other relevant agencies 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 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 use of ethnically charged rhetoric before, during, and after the gubernatorial election in Lagos was particularly concerning,” the statement reads.
The embassy further stated that it 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 government had previously imposed visa restrictions on individuals who were deemed responsible for rigging the presidential elections held in February.
It will be recalled that the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections were conducted on March 18, following the Presidential and National Assembly polls held on February 25.
