The United States Embassy in Abuja released a statement on Wednesday morning, threatening to sanction those who may attempt to rig or perpetrate violence in the upcoming polls in Anambra, a state in southeastern Nigeria. The governorship election in Anambra is scheduled to take place on November 6, 2021.
“The United States looks forward to a gubernatorial election in Anambra State on November 6 that is peaceful and transparent, with results that accurately reflect the will of the state’s residents,” the embassy said in a statement. “We will be paying close attention to actions of individuals who interfere with the democratic process or instigate violence against civilian populations before, during, or after the elections.”
It added, “We will not hesitate to consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for those found to be responsible for election-related violence or undermining the democratic process. Under U.S. immigration law, certain violations also may lead to restrictions on family members.
“We call on citizens, electoral officials, party members, and security force personnel to do their part in ensuring a credible and secure electoral process.”
Simon Ateba is Chief White House Correspondent for Today News Africa. Simon covers President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, the U.S. government, the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other financial and international institutions in Washington D.C. and New York City.