The United States government has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on some individuals who undermined the conduct of a free, fair and credible election in Nigeria.
Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State to the US government, stated this in a press statement on Monday.
The 2023 general election was held on February 25 for presidential and National Assembly polls, and March 18 for governorship and Houses of Assembly polls.
“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,” Blinken said.
According to the US government official, the individuals are those “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 that the decision to impose the visa restrictions, which is backed by Section 212(a)(3)C) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act,” reflects the continued commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to strengthen democracy and the rule of law.”
