Due to the off-cycle elections that are scheduled to take place in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states on November 11, the United Kingdom has issued a travel advise to its residents cautioning them against visiting these areas.
Following the US’s alert alerting its nationals to the possibility of attacks on hotels in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the warning was sent out.
excluding the three states. In the travel advisory released on November 4, 2023, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom cautioned against visiting the states of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara, as well as the riverine regions of Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states.
The travel advisory is issued in the midst of growing anxiety over potential violence during the next round of governor’s races.
‘In past elections, there have been reports of intimidation, violence, and voter fraud. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has expressed its commitment to conducting a free and fair election, but security analysts say that the risk of violence remains high.
The Nigerian government has deployed additional security forces to the three states in an effort to prevent violence.
The government has also urged political parties to refrain from making inflammatory statements and to respect the electoral process.
“They should also avoid large gatherings and crowded public places. Travelers should also register with their nearest embassy or consulate so that they can be contacted in case of an emergency,’’ the advisory read.