The US government has stated that it has taken efforts to impose visa restrictions on specific persons in Nigeria for subverting the democratic process during the Nigerian election cycle in 2023.
This was revealed in a statement issued by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Monday and published on the US government’s website.
“Today, I am announcing that we have taken steps to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle.”
While stating that “the United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world,” Blinken went on to say that the visa restrictions “are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the government of Nigeria as a whole.”
“Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be subject to visa restrictions to the United States under a policy that covers those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy,” Blinken continued.
However, as at the time of submitting this report, no individual’s name had been revealed.
“These individuals have been involved in voter intimidation through threats and physical violence, vote rigging, and other activities that undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.”
The US government stated that the decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the US government’s continued commitment to supporting Nigerian objectives to promote democracy and the rule of law.
