The opposition Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed surprise over the United States 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, particularly its conclusion that the 2023 polls reflected the will of Nigerians despite widespread irregularities. Conversely, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency welcomed the report but emphasized that external validation of electoral victories was unnecessary for the party.

Published by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, US Department of State, the report examined human rights practices and violations in various countries, including Nigeria. It noted that despite technical and logistical difficulties, as well as irregularities, the last general elections in Nigeria were reported to have reflected the will of voters, according to many independent observers.

However, the report highlighted instances of voter suppression and vote-buying, violence, and intimidation during the elections. For example, it mentioned incidents where supporters of the APC reportedly intimidated and suppressed voters in Igbo-dominated areas during the March 2023 governorship election in Lagos.

The report also criticized the Nigerian government's handling of corruption, stating that anti-corruption laws were not consistently implemented and that there was widespread corruption across the country, including within the judiciary.

In response, the PDP and LP reiterated their commitment to democracy in Nigeria despite its imperfections. They emphasized the need to prevent Nigeria from becoming a one-party state or sliding into dictatorship.

Conversely, the APC welcomed the report but stated that it did not require external validation of its electoral victories. The party emphasized its focus on developing Nigeria's electoral democracy and expressed confidence in the electoral process conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Similarly, the Presidency dismissed the need for foreign validation of Nigeria's elections, asserting that INEC conducted a free and fair election. It refuted allegations of voter suppression in Lagos State and reiterated the government's commitment to conducting elections that reflect the will of Nigerians.

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