UK compiles names, promises to sanction election violence perpetrators

The UK government has announced that it is actively collecting relevant data on individuals who instigated or participated in election-related violence during the recently concluded 2023 elections in Nigeria.

The British High Commission on March 22, 2023, revealed that it plans to take appropriate measures against them.

The statement released by Andrew Mitchell MP, the UK Minister of State for Development and Africa, declared that sanctions, such as prohibiting people from acquiring UK visas or imposing human rights sanctions, could be imposed.

“We can confirm that we are collating relevant information, with a view to taking action against some individuals.

“We witnessed and received credible reports from other observer missions and civil society organisations 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 government said.