The United States government has imposed visa restrictions on some Nigerians who undermined the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections.
The US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, disclosed this on Twitter on Monday afternoon, May 15.
He however did not mention the names of those affected.
In his tweet, he said: ‘We have imposed visa restrictions on specific individuals who undermined the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections.
‘We remain committed to supporting Nigerian aspirations to strengthen democracy and rule of law.’
He stated 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’.
Citing Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, Blinken explained that ‘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’.
‘These individuals have been involved in the intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results, and other activity that undermines Nigeria’s democratic process,’ Blinken added.
The United States warned last year that it would impose visa restrictions on any individuals who undermined the democratic process in the Nigerian general elections.
