2023 Elections: US warn Nigerians against violence, voter intimidation

Nigerians have been warned not to make statements that could incite violence, voter suppression, or intimidation and therefore taint the voting process by the US government.

The recommendation was given by Molly Phee, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, on Wednesday in Abuja at a roundtable discussion with select Nigerian journalists.

Phee stated that establishing reliable polls was everyone’s responsibility. His suggestion comes just a few days before the country’s national elections in 2023.

She strongly warned individuals against engaging in post-election violence and encouraged Nigerians to have faith in the democratic process and accept the results of the popular vote.

Pee also forbade political parties and their candidates from intimidating and repressing voters.

The official went on to say that her encounters with INEC officials demonstrated that, despite the current difficulties, they were ready to organize elections in the nation.

“We recognise that Nigeria is undergoing a challenging time with the security problems, which have expanded across the country in recent years and with the current economic challenges, which initially, I thought was amplified by COVID, and now the implementation of the new naira policy.

“The assessment that has been relayed to me by the experts who are operating and managing your electoral process is that they are prepared and able to hold and host the elections across the country in spite of the many challenges.

“Again, this is where it is important for candidates, the political parties, and individual Nigerians to take responsibility for a successful election.

“So that in these intense few days before the elections there are no acts of voter intimidation through violence or voter suppression through violence.

“And on the election day, there is no violence as the winner is considered, the votes are tabulated, results are announced, people respect and abide by the voice of the Nigerian people.

“I think you have a good process, you have a good history since 1999 where after each election you get stronger and your system improves and I hear a desire and hunger for successful elections.

“And I am confident that you can meet that challenge,” Phee said.

The U.S. government, according to the assistant secretary, is still committed to helping Nigerian democracy and a peaceful transfer of power.