The UK government has expressed concerns about post-election violence erupting in Nigeria, threatening to issue a visa ban on the country’s politicians linked to the violence.

Nigerians go to the polls on February 25 to elect the president and federal lawmakers and on March 11 to elect state governors and legislators.

While addressing journalists on Thursday in Abuja, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, said despite reassurance from the Nigeria Police Force, potential post-election violence worried the UK government. 

“If it is brought to our attention, of where and where directly, that they are people inciting violence, moving hate speeches, or conducting violent acts, we will use our visa policies to restrict such individual’s ability to enter the UK,” the British ambassador explained.

She added, “Another thing we are worried about is post-election violence. As we saw in the past, I cannot remember the year, if any one of the party’s supporters feels this election is stolen, my candidate should have won, there is a risk of violence.”

According to Ms Laing, the UK government is confident of the process following her engagements with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, the UK envoy expressed the fear of the UK government regarding voter suppression as she appealed to political parties and candidates against any form of voter suppression.

“The security forces, from my discussions with the IGP and others, are also committed to play the impartial role they need to play. We will be watching this closely, and it is very important that these elections take place on time,” the UK ambassador noted.

She stressed that “it is very important for Nigeria’s democracy that the people respect the result because that is the hallmark of democracy, somebody wins, somebody loses.”

Ms Laing added, “And if you feel for any reason the election in your area was not credible, transparent, there is a process, and that is the court. What will be tragic for Nigeria on this crucial democratic journey where you have been making great strides is if there is a repeat of the 2011 widespread post-election violence.” 

(NAN)