According to U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. will shut its doors on people involved in any form of violence during the polls.
“Anyone found to have incited violence or interfered with electoral processes will be unwelcome in the United States and subject to visa sanctions,” Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement.
Ms. Thomas-Greenfield said while the elections were generally without a significant scale of violence, and irregularities in some parts of Nigeria, some people were resolved to undermine the will of Nigerians and interfere with electoral processes, resorting to violence and voter intimidation.
She expressed the regret of the US over loss of lives and property during the process, adding that violence and rigging was unacceptable in a democratic electoral process.
She, however, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its chairman, Attahiru Jega. She encouraged Nigeria and other nations to continue to explore the use of relevant technologies in future elections.
“Despite some technical glitches, it is clear that technology and use of social media-INEC’s online posting of results for each polling unit, live tweeting of results, the use of biometric permanent voter cards and electronic card readers improved efficiency and limited fraud.”
“Now more than ever, it is up to all Nigerians to stay united so that Nigeria can move forward with a clear set of priorities for the future,” Thomas-Greenfield said.
She said the U.S. welcomed all commitments made by the outgoing and the incoming Presidents towards a peaceful transition process.
“This next phase is critical as the world continues its hopeful watch for what happens in Nigeria,” she added.
“Nigerian democracy will be a beacon across the continent and beyond,” she said, adding that the US looked forward to the inauguration of Muhammadu Buhari on May 29 which would signal the beginning of a new chapter of the relationship between the two countries.
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