Post-election violence: UK threatens Nigerian politicians with visa ban

The British government has expressed concerns about the possibility of post-election violence in Nigeria and has threatened to issue a visa ban on politicians linked to such violence.

Nigerian voters will head to the polls on February 25 to elect the president and federal lawmakers, and on March 11 to elect state governors and legislators. British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, addressed journalists in Abuja, stating that potential post-election violence worried the UK government despite reassurances from the Nigeria Police Force.

Laing expressed the UK’s confidence in the election process and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). However, she emphasized the importance of political parties and candidates refraining from any form of voter suppression, as well as respecting the results of the elections.

The British envoy warned that the UK government would use its visa policies to restrict the entry of individuals found inciting violence, hate speeches, or violent acts. Laing also highlighted the risk of violence should either party’s supporters feel that the election had been stolen. The UK ambassador emphasized that democracy is at stake, and Nigeria must respect the results of the elections as it is the hallmark of democracy.