Reiterates UK visa sanctions on electoral offenders
From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The UK Government has said it is following very closely the run-up to the presidential, legislative and gubernatorial elections in Nigeria.
The UK Minister of State for Development and Africa, the Right Honourable Andrew Mitchell, in a statement issued ahead of the 2023 General Elections, said: “Nigeria matters to the UK, and we are following the run-up to these Presidential, National Assembly and Gubernatorial elections very closely.
“Over the last two months, I have met four of the presidential candidates and the Chairman of INEC, and emphasised our support for the process and our commitment to a strong relationship between our two countries.”
Mitchell further said the Government of the United Kingdom continues to work closely with INEC and the Nigerian civil society partners to provide advisory support on electoral and legal reforms, assist in strengthening democratic institutions, and advocate for the importance of civil society engagement in electoral and democratic processes to help deliver credible elections.
Mitchell also said: “It is vital for Nigeria’s stability and democratic consolidation that the electoral process is free, fair, and credible. I encourage all actors in Nigeria to intervene proactively to calm any tensions and prevent violence in the periods before, during and after the elections.
“I call on party officials at all levels to respect human rights and electoral laws and institutions and take a firm stand against violence and hate speech. I strongly condemn any actions that undermine the peaceful and transparent conduct of the electoral process.”
Mitchell further said where the United Kingdom is aware of attempts to subvert democratic processes at the national or state level, the United Kingdom is prepared to take action against those who engage in or incite electoral violence and other anti-democratic behaviours.
“These actions could include preventing people from obtaining UK visas or imposing sanctions under our human rights sanctions regime.
“The UK Government remains committed to supporting credible and inclusive elections, which are fundamental to Nigeria’s continued democratic growth and to the future of regional and global democracy,” Mitchell stated.