UK threatens visa sanction against Nigerian politicians, security officials

The United Kingdom (UK) says it is watching closely any political party, security agents or individuals who act violently or incite people through social media during the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, stated this when she led a team with members of the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Wednesday.

Ms Laing said the 2023 elections are very important for Africa and the world, so the focus would be on Nigeria and the UK would be watching closely.

He said the UK was deeply concerned by recent developments, including 52 issues related to electoral violence in 22 states, including the attack on the PDP convoy in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

“That is a real concern and we want to exchange our thoughts on what you can do as a political party to make the elections as peaceful as possible.

“When people feel scared, they can’t go out to vote. The elections themselves will not be credible, which is why violence is a big concern.

“On the issue of electoral violence, you can make statements about the last election, and we also have positive support, because we have sanctions through the Visa program.

“We will also look closely at any person who acts violently or incites people through social networks; We have the ability to use our Visas as a penalty by removing Peoples rights to visit the UK.

“We’ll see, these apply to all political parties, not just parties, but security officials and anyone who may be in that position.

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“The most important thing is to get votes, whichever political party you belong to, the elections will be credible if the votes are big. Last time it was low, about 35 percent,” Laing said.

He said the UK government did not support any political party, but Nigerians were interested in deciding who would lead them at the government level.

Mrs Laing said it was in this spirit that the UK delegation brought together all stakeholders including INEC, Civil Society Organizations and political parties for a credible and peaceful election.

He commended Nigerian youths for coming out to register during the registration period, and expressed hope that they would go to the polls on election day.

In his remarks, the National Secretary of the PDP, Samuel Anyanwu, expressed optimism that the PDP would return to power in 2023, saying Nigerians are waiting for the PDP.

Mr. Anyanwu said the PDP believed that with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) introduced by INEC, the 2023 general election would not be routine.

“Therefore, we continue to pray that INEC will keep what it promised Nigerians and when that is done we will know that our party is on top.”

Mr. Anyanwu, while expressing PDP’s commitment to peaceful issue-based campaigning, condemned the recent attacks on PDP rallies in Kaduna and Borno states.

(IN)