The United States of America has imposed a Visa ban on those involved in rigging and undermining the democratic process of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.
This was made known in a press release signed on Monday (May 15) by Anthony Blinken, US Secretary of State.
In the release titled: “Taking Steps to Impose Visa Restrictions on Individuals Involved in Undermining the Democratic Process During Nigeria’s 2023 Elections Cycle”, Blinken said the visa restriction is only for specific individuals in Nigeria and not the entire country.
According to the Secretary of State, 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.
He said the decision reflects the continued commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to strengthen democracy and the rule of law.
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.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) May 15, 2023
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“The United States is committed to supporting and advancing 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. These actions 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 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 intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results, and other activity that undermines Nigeria’s democratic process.
“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”, the statement read.
.@SecBlinken has imposed visa restrictions on specific Nigerians for undermining the democratic process during #NigeriaDecides2023. Details: https://t.co/uOg9DJhTu6
The U.S. is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world. pic.twitter.com/PK1x3hr14c— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) May 15, 2023
Recall that the outcome of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria has been questioned even by Nigerians as many felt their votes did not count, while others fumed that they could not cast their votes because of intimidation and violence.
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