US imposes visa restrictions on anybody who tampers with the Nigerian election process

The US imposes visa restrictions on anybody who tampers with the Nigerian election process. 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated in a tweet that his nation backs Nigeria’s efforts to safeguard the rule of law and its democratic process. 

On Wednesday, the US government announced that those responsible for subverting the Nigerian election would face visa restrictions. 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated in a tweet that his nation backs Nigeria’s efforts to safeguard the rule of law and its democratic process. 

READ ALSO: Election in 2023: Senate adjourns plenary

Today I’m announcing immigration restrictions for individuals interested in undermining Nigeria’s democracy in support of the forthcoming elections there. 

According to Blinken, “the United States supports Nigerian efforts to fight corruption and improve democracy and the rule of law.” 

According to a statement posted on its website, the US Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria says the visa limitations only apply to “select individuals” and are not intended to affect the Nigerian people or the Nigerian government.

See the full statement below: 

Imposing visa restrictions on individuals involved in undermining the democratic process in Nigeria .

We are committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world. Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process in a recent Nigerian election. 

Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be found ineligible for visas to the United States under a policy to restrict the visas of those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Nigeria. Certain family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions. Additional persons who undermine the democratic process in Nigeria—including in the lead-up to, during, and following Nigeria’s 2023 elections—may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy. 

The visa restrictions announced today are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria. The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Nigeria’s aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law.