The United States has expressed concern over the recent governorship elections held in Lagos and has condemned acts of ethnically-induced voter suppression. In a statement posted on its website, the U.S. mission in Nigeria warned that such actions will not go unpunished and called on Nigerian authorities to hold accountable those responsible for such acts.
During the
March 18 polls, thousands of Igbo residents were turned away from polling
centers by political thugs loyal to the ruling All Progressives Congress. The
U.S. diplomatic mission observed the elections in Lagos and witnessed some of
these incidents first-hand. The use of ethnically charged rhetoric by political
actors before, during, and after the gubernatorial election was particularly
concerning.
The U.S. has
commended 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. The U.S. also urged the people of Nigeria to
work together as they participate in and continue to strengthen the country’s
vibrant democracy.
In addition,
the U.S. called for any challenges to election results to go through
established legal processes, which must not be interfered with. 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.
Governor
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was re-elected on the back of the suppression of
opposition votes, has sued for calm following his victory, saying he would make
efforts to mend fences and stymie ethnic divisions across the state.
Individuals
like Bayo Onanuga, a top adviser to President-elect Bola Tinubu, and Musiliu
‘MC Oluomo’ Akinsanya, another ally of Mr Tinubu’s, who have publicly called
for violence against Nigerians of Igbo origin in Lagos, would face visa bans,
according to the U.S. mission in Nigeria. Mr. Onanuga has insisted that the
Igbo ethnic nationalities have no place in Lagos politics and government,
despite widespread condemnation.
The U.S. has
also expressed its desire to see the Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) improve the voting processes and technical elements that experienced
flaws during the February 25 national elections.
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