Mohammed Shosanya
The United States of America, says 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 Public Affairs Section, United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria,disclosed this in a statement titled: “Nigeria’s 2023 Election”
The U.S. Diplomatic Mission called on Nigerian authorities to hold accountable and bring to justice any individual found to have ordered or carried out efforts to intimidate voters and suppress voting during the election process.
It said,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.
It added:”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 statement noted that 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 on Nigeria’s people to work together as they participate in and continue to strengthen the country’s vibrant democracy.”
It commended all “Nigerian political actors, religious and community leaders, youths 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.
