Ex-presential aspirant recommends additional sanctions for individuals undermining democracy

By Cecilia Ologunagba

Mrs Patience Key, a former presidential aspirant in the Nigerian 2023 general elections, has advised the U.S. government to place more sanctions on individuals who are undermining democracy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Key, was a presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

NAN reports that the U.S. on Monday imposed entry restrictions on more Nigerians for undermining the democratic process during the 2023 elections.

Key gave the advice in an interview with the NAN correspondent in New York.

“Alongside a visa ban, other sanctions might be recommended as a form of punitive and corrective measures.

“These could include freezing of assets held in the United States and prohibiting U.S. persons or entities from doing business with the sanctioned individuals.

“Also, potential public naming and shaming, which could affect their reputation and standing in the international community,” she said.

Key, a former Chair, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Americas said any politician found guilty should face similar sanctions.

She said it did not matter the position of that individual, noting that so far as solid evidence was pointing to involvement of that individual event if he was a presidential candidate or President-elect.

“However, it’s important to remember that such a move will have significant diplomatic implications, potentially straining relations between the U.S. and Nigeria.

“The U.S. will have to weigh the importance of upholding democratic values against the potential diplomatic fallout.

“In terms of potential accusations of partiality, it’s crucial for the U.S. to ensure that its actions are based on clear, factual evidence and that they are applied consistently.

“It’s also crucial to clearly communicate the rationale behind the actions to both domestic and international audiences to minimize misunderstandings,’’ she said.

Key said that the U.S. could engage with international partners and organisations to ensure a multilateral approach to these sanctions, which could help to mitigate allegations of unilateral or biased decision-making.

She, however, said that the Nigerian citizens should be of most importance to the United States and not a president elect, presidential candidate, INEC Chairman or any politician.

“Other nations should follow same steps as the U.S. and stop medical tourism, education and access to better living for those who have led, leading and about to go into leadership in Nigeria.

“They should stop leaders who have not created enabling environment for better living in Nigeria and caused chaos and poverty in the nation from accessing medical tourism, education and better living.

“Their family members should also be banned. United States should be very clear with the bans. Names should be mentioned, and any form of partiality would be exposed.’’

Key said that as the international community continue to watch the situation unfold, it was important to remember that these measures were designed to uphold democratic principles and norms, and not to target any specific country or individuals unfairly.

“They aim to encourage a peaceful, free, and fair electoral process, which is the cornerstone of any democratic society.

“Considering the complexities of international politics and diplomacy, the imposition of visa restrictions and other sanctions is not a decision to be made lightly.

“The consequences of these actions ripple through not just the individual lives of those affected, but also the wider diplomatic relations between countries,’’ she said.

(NAN)