The US State Department has announced visa restrictions on Nigerians whom it says have undermined the democratic process in a recent Nigerian election.
A statement signed by Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, neither named the election nor the culprits but said the individuals and some of their family members would be unsuitable for US visas.
“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 visas of those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Nigeria,” the statement read.
“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.”
Blinken clarified that the visa restrictions were specific to the unnamed individuals and not the Nigerian people or the government.
He also noted that the US remained committed to combatting corruption and strengthening democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.
