British government gathers information on promoters of violence in Nigeria’s elections

The British government has begun collation of relevant information about Nigerians involved in electoral violence, and other vices during the recently concluded general elections in the country.

The British High Commission revealed this in a recent statement in Abuja.

The High Commission condemned the violence that affected the conduct of the elections, and the use of ethno-religious language by some political figures that made Nigerians fight against themselves.

Also, the High Commission condemned voter intimidation, suppression, vote-buying, and destruction of electoral materials during the elections.

The Commission commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the improvement displayed in its logistical arrangements during the governorship and houses of assembly elections.

The statement read: “We observed improvements around elections logistics by INEC during the gubernatorial elections, particularly when compared to the Presidential elections.

“More polling units opened on time, there was greater evidence of BVAS and IREV working and results uploaded in real-time from polling units and collation centres. These are positive markers to build on for future elections.

“However, there were notable points of concern. Members of our observation mission personally observed violence, and voter suppression in numerous voting locations.

“We witnessed and received credible reports from other observer missions and civil society organizations of vote-buying and voter intimidation, the destruction and hijacking of election materials, and the general disruption of the process in numerous states including Lagos, Enugu, and Rivers.

“In addition, we observed incidents of harassment of journalists. Freedom of speech and a free press are crucial for a healthy democracy, and journalists must be able to go about their work without being threatened.

“The UK is concerned by the use of inflammatory ethno-religious language by some public and political figures.

“We call on all leaders not just to distance themselves from this kind of language, but to prevent those who speak on their behalf from doing so in this way.

“It is a testament to their commitment to democracy that many Nigerians were prepared to vote despite being faced with intimidation and hostility.

“The UK Minister of State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell MP, said on 21 February, that the UK is prepared to take action against those who engage in or incite electoral violence and other anti-democratic behaviours, and action could include preventing people from obtaining UK visas or imposing sanctions under our human rights sanctions regime.