2023 Elections: US Reveals Visa Ban On Electoral Offenders

The United States has disclosed that it will impose a visa ban on Nigerians who undermined the nation's democratic process during the 2023 general elections.

The announcement was made on Monday and the US authorities added that steps have been taken to place visa sanctions on certain individuals found culpable.

Speaking in a statement via the US government website, the Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, revealed that the sanctions are not directed at the Nigerian people or the federal government.

Blinken clarified that the visa ban is aimed at specific persons.

“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 United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world.

“The sanctions 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 the intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results, and other activity that undermines Nigeria’s democratic process”, he stated.

As of the time of filing this report, no name has been published by the US authorities.