US set to impose visa restrictions on politicians involved in Nigerian election rigging

WASHINGTON has announced that it has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on Nigerian politicians who helped undermine the democratic process during the 2023 elections by participating in and facilitating rigging.

Before the elections, the US had warned politicians of all parties that anyone who was involved in rigging would face visa restrictions. US secretary of state Antony Blinken, said that the move was in compliance with Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Mr Blinken added: “The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world. 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.

“These actions are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the government of Nigeria as a whole.  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.”

He stressed that these individuals were involved in intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results and others. At the moment, the Nigerian election results are being challenged in court.