The United States Embassy in Nigeria has cautioned its citizens living in Nigeria of possible protests in the aftermath of Nigeria’s elections scheduled for February 25 and March 11, 2023.
In a notice on its website titled
"Security Alert: Possible Protests Leading to Elections and Restricted
Movements on Election Days," the Embassy advised its nationals to avoid
rallies, warning they can turn violent with little or no notice.
According to the Embassy, the
likelihood that movements will be restricted during the polls is high, and as
such, it has advised American citizens living in Nigeria to have at least three
days' worth of food and water at home in case movement restrictions extend
beyond election days.
The notice partly read: “The
Government of Nigeria will restrict the movement of all personal vehicles on
election days across the country,” adding that: “Information from the
Government of Nigeria indicates that only law enforcement personnel and
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accredited election observers
will be allowed to move freely along the roads.
“Please be advised that movement
restrictions may be extended at any time. Be alert to the Government of
Nigeria’s information about the restrictions.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has reassured
that the Commission will not let Nigerians and the international community down
in the conduct of the February 25 and March 11 elections.
Addressing a delegation from the
Commonwealth Election Observer Mission, Mr. Yakubu gave the assurance that INEC
is committed to delivering free, fair, and credible elections.
“INEC understands the enormous
benefits of conducting credible elections, not just on Nigeria but the African
continent. Election in Nigeria is huge and we understand. As I said, the
responsibility rest on our shoulders. We also understand the benefits of
credible elections. It will not only bring peace and good governance to our
country, but the positive effects on our sub-region. I want to assure you that
we will never let Nigeria and the international community down.” He stated.
The Commonwealth Observer Mission
in Nigeria, led by the former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, is
confident that Nigeria will achieve credible and successful elections.
From the AEP observation, this is
the seventh successive election since the end of militry rule in 1999 and believe
in the resilience and determination of the people of Nigeria and we have no
doubt that the country will overcome any challenges that may arise during the
electoral process. We urge all Nigerians
to abide by the electoral laws and code to ensure this election is successful
and credible so the country entrenches its democratic gains in peace and a
better Nigeria.
AEP
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