The US said on Tuesday that it was alarmed by extensive examples of racially motivated voting suppression in Lagos during the March 18 governorship election, and that such behavior would not be tolerated.
According to a statement on the US mission on Nigeria’s website, such acts damage Nigeria’s democratic experience, and visa bans will be placed on political actors responsible.
Individuals such as Bayo Onanuga, a prominent adviser to President-elect Bola Tinubu, and Musiliu ‘MC Oluomo’ Akinsanya, another Tinubu supporter, have publicly called for violence against Igbo Nigerians in Lagos, claiming that the nation’s commercial metropolis belongs to the Yoruba ethnic group.
U.S Visa Ban: Afenifere, Others Welcome Visa Ban On Election Violence Sponsors
Mr Onanuga, in particular, refused to back down from his deadly statements, instead asserting that Igbo ethnic nations have no place in Lagos politics and government.
Hundreds of Igbo people reported being turned away from polling stations by thugs loyal to the ruling All Progressives Congress, with many voters being ordered to speak Yoruba before being allowed to vote.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was re-elected on the basis of suppression of opposition votes, has appealed for calm in the aftermath of his triumph, saying he would work to mend ties and prevent ethnic tensions across the state.
The US declaration came on the heels of similar observations by other election monitors, who stated Nigeria’s 2023 elections fell short of the norms set in prior cycles in recent years.
#October1stProtest: Group Urges US, UK, EU To Issue Visa Ban On IGP, DG SSS, Others If…
Read the complete statement issued by the United States below:
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. 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.
Following the February 25 national elections, the United States joined other international observers in urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve voting processes and technical elements that experienced flaws in that voting round. The March 18 elections appear to have had significant operational improvements, as polling stations generally opened on time and most results were visible on an electronic viewing platform in a timely manner.
The United States renews 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.
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.