The US has taken efforts to impose visa restrictions on specific persons in Nigeria for disrupting the democratic process during the just finished general elections in 2023.
On Monday, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken made the announcement.
We have imposed visa restrictions on people who harmed the democratic process during Nigeria’s elections in 2023. We remain committed to assisting Nigerians in their efforts to improve democracy and the rule of law.
Blinken stated in a statement that President Joe Biden’s administration is committed to strengthening democracy in Nigeria and around the world.
“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,” the statement read.
“The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world.” 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.”
Blinken noted, using Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 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.”
However, the US government made no mention of the individuals or groups of people suspected of undermining Nigeria’s 2023 elections.
“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.”
According to the statement, the US government’s decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the US government’s continued commitment to supporting Nigeria’s goal of promoting democracy and the rule of law.
