The United States has announced its intention to impose visa restrictions on those who have been found to undermine the democratic process in Nigeria.
The Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, who disclosed this a statement published on the US government’s official website, said steps have been taken to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during the 2023 elections.
Blinken, who clarified that the visa ban is not targeted at certain individuals or government officials, emphasized that the US remains dedicated to supporting and advancing democracy not only in Nigeria but worldwide.
The statement reads, “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 noting that, “the United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world,” Blinken added 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.”
Blinken added, “Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be subject to restrictions on visas to the United States under a policy covering those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy.”
However, as of the time of filing this report, no name of any individual has been published.
“These individuals have been involved in intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results, and other activity that undermines Nigeria’s democratic process.”
The US government disclosed the decision to take steps to impose visa restrictions reflects the continued commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to strengthen democracy and the rule of law.
KanyiDaily recalls that before the 2023 elections, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken announced visa ban on Nigerians accused of undermining democracy and engaging in election fraud.
