Edo/Ondo Polls: UK Advises PDP, APC Supporters Against Violence

The United Kingdom has advised the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressive Congress to educate their supporters on the need to shun violence before and after the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.

UK noted that the polls in those states would show the world the strength of Nigeria’s democracy.

This was contained in a statement on Tuesday by the British High Commission and floated on the UK in Nigeria Twitter handle.

“These elections are important, both as an essential element of effective governance within both states and an indicator of the strength of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

“Our High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, has held meetings with leaders of the two main political parties, the APC and PDP.

“The discussions focused on the
need for the parties leaders to prevail on supporters to avoid violence before and after the elections and we welcome the Edo candidates’ signature of the National Peace Committee and INEC convened peace accord today,” it stated.

Recall that the United States Government had on Monday placed a visa ban on those whom it claimed undermined the elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states, among others.

On its part, the UK stressed that it would explore such measures against election riggers or charge them to court.

“The UK takes a strong stand against election-related violence and, just as we did in the general election in 2019, will continue to take action against individuals we identify as being responsible for violence during the elections.

“This could include restrictions on their eligibility to travel to the UK, restrictions on access to UK based assets or prosecution under international law,” it said.

Furthermore, it assured Nigerians that it would closely monitor the elections.

It also urged security personnel to discharge their duties lawfully and without fear or favour.

The statement reads further:

“As a friend and partner of Nigeria we are closely following the lead up to the
off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states scheduled for September 19 and October 10 respectively.

“We will be deploying observation missions to both the Edo and Ondo elections and supporting civil society led observation.

“The UK will continue to provide support and engagement as we move towards these elections.

“We urge INEC, the Police and all other agencies involved to work together to deliver free, fair and credible elections.”