Elections: US Imposes Visa Bans On Nigerians Who Undermined Democracy
The United States on Monday, May 15, 2023 announced the imposition of visa restrictions on individuals in Nigeria who undermined and disrupted the 2023 general elections in the country.
The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who announced the position of the United State government in a statement, explained that the sanctions were specific to certain individuals and not the Nigerian people or the government as a whole.
Blinken said that the United States was committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world, adding that the United States has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle.
In the words of Blinken; “These actions are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the government of Nigeria as a whole.”
“The affected persons were involved in voter threats, results manipulation, physical violence, and other activities that undermined democracy”.
The statement further stated that the visa ban was the US’ commitment towards supporting Nigeria’s aspirations to strengthen the rule of law.
It further stated; “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 the 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 US has repeatedly warned about its strict measures to punish offenders of the electoral process in Nigeria.
However, like the previous bans by the US, the names of the affected individuals were not listed in the statement.
