US Imposes Visa Ban On Nigerians Undermining Democracy A Month Before Nigeria’s General Elections

Only one month before the general elections in 2023, the United States has imposed visa restrictions on Nigerians who are undermining their nation's democracy.

Family members of certain impacted individuals will also face sanctions, according to the US.

“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. Certain family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions.” This was announced by the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, in a statement released on Wednesday, reports CNN.

The names of the individuals are not specified. The top diplomat added that certain relatives of individuals denied entry to the United States would experience the same limitations.

He stated, “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 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,” reports Saharareporters.

Blinken made it clear that neither Nigerians nor the government were the target of the visa ban.

He said it was an illustration of the US commitment to supporting Nigeria in its fight against corruption and the development of democracy and the rule of law.

Prior to Nigeria's general elections on February 25, the US made its pronouncement. The country's president, Muhammadu Buhari, who is now serving his final second term, will be succeeded by the results of the elections. Earlier this year, Rolf Olson, a political adviser at the US Embassy in Nigeria, warned that the US would impose visa penalties on anyone who tried to sabotage Nigeria's democratic process. Now, this development has occurred barely two months later.