US Government Poll Finds Widespread Ethnic Rhetoric, Voter Intimidation, and Suppression in Lagos and Other States; Visa Restrictions Considered for Culprits

The United States government has strongly denounced the violent voter intimidation and suppression that occurred during the Governorship and State Assembly Elections on Saturday, March 18, 2023. The U.S. diplomatic mission in Nigeria made this known in a statement released on Tuesday, March 21. It was observed that ethnically charged rhetoric was used before, during, and after the gubernatorial election in Lagos. The statement also warned that visa restrictions may be imposed on individuals who are responsible for or complicit in undermining the democratic process in Nigeria. Furthermore, the statement commended all Nigerians who have chosen to speak out against such violence and inflammatory language. The United States also urged Nigerian authorities to bring to justice those found to have ordered or carried out efforts to intimidate voters and suppress voting during the election process. Additionally, it called for any challenges to election results to go through established legal processes without interference. Finally, it encouraged Nigerians to work together to continue to strengthen the country’s vibrant democracy.