Both the United States of America and the United Kingdom have warned that politicians who tamper with electoral process or instigate violence during the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria
THE governments of United States and the United Kingdom have said that “the conduct of the upcoming elections in Nigeria is important not only for Nigeria, but for the African continent” and as such will not hesitiate to punish any politician who instigate violence before, during and after the polls.
“The United States government does not support any specific candidate or party in Nigeria’s upcoming elections. The United States supports the Nigerian democratic process itself. We support a genuinely free, fair, transparent, and peaceful electoral process,” United States said in a joint statement made available today to Realnews by the Embassy office in Lagos.
“We, and other democratic nations, will be paying close attention to actions of individuals who interfere in the democratic process or instigate violence against the civilian population before, during, or after the elections. We will not hesitate to consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for those found to be responsible for election-related violence or undermining the democratic process. Under U.S. immigration law, certain violations may also lead to restrictions on family members.
“We welcome the signing of peace pledges by Nigerian candidates and their commitment to a peaceful electoral process,” the statement said.
On the part of the United Kingdom, the statement said: “23 days to the presidential and National Assembly elections and 37 days to the Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections, the British High Commission in Abuja, would like to reaffirm our strong support for free, fair and peaceful elections in Nigeria.
