The United Kingdom (UK) has said it is following very closely, the run up to the presidential, legislative and gubernatorial elections in Nigeria.
UK’s Minister of State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, in a statement, yesterday, said it was imperative that Nigeria holds free, fair and credible elections to consolidate its democracy and political stability.
He said the UK would continue to work closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organisations to provide advisory support on electoral and legal reforms. He said the UK would assist in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions, and civil society engagement in electoral and democratic processes to help deliver credible elections.
Said Mitchell: “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. 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 said if the UK is aware of attempts to subvert democratic processes at the national or state level in Nigeria, it would 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 said.