The United States Mission in Nigeria has reacted to the disturbing events recorded during gubernatorial and state assembly elections on March 18.
In a statement which was obtained by Africa Today News, New York, he expressed deep concern about violent voter intimidation and suppression that took place in Lagos, Kano, and other states.
It pointed out that members of its diplomatic mission observed the elections in Lagos and elsewhere and witnessed some of the incidents first-hand.
Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, Saturday, warned the opponents of the party to remain in their houses.
The men, about two dozens, walked round Agbo-Oba and other streets in the Oshodi area issuing threats to residents.
‘If you don’t want to vote for APC, stay in your house’, they repeated, while discussing loudly.
The comment was similar to the one made by Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo at a gathering on Thursday.
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The American embassy said the use of ethnically charged rhetoric before, during, and after the gubernatorial election in Lagos “was particularly concerning.”
Africa Today News, New York reports that the Mission hailed political actors, religious and community leaders, youth, and citizens who spoke against violence and inflammatory language, and their commitment to the democratic process.
The U.S. charged 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 government said it would consider all available actions, including additional visa restrictions, on individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the elections.
The U.S. recalled joining other international observers in urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve voting processes and technical elements experienced during the February 25 poll.
The statement urged those aggrieved with results of the general elections to go through established legal processes, “which must not be interfered with.”