The United States has imposed visa restrictions on certain Nigerians who are alleged to have interfered with democratic elections in Nigeria earlier this year.
The restrictions are "on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle," U.S. Sec. of State Antony Blinken stated in remarks released May 15 by the State Department (DOS). "These actions are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria as a whole."
Blinken didn’t identify the individuals targeted by the restrictions in his remarks, but stated the visa restrictions cover "those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy."
"These individuals have been involved in intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results, and other activity that undermines Nigeria’s democratic process," Blinken stated in his remarks.
The visa restrictions announced May 15 are not the first issued in response to efforts to undermine the democratic process in the west African country. Prior to the country's February elections, the DOS issued a statement Jan. 25 that it had issued visa restrictions against individuals in Nigeria on the same charges of election interference prior to the election.
"The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law," Blinken stated in the January news release.
Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission declared Bola Ahmed Tinubu as president-elect following the Feb. 25 presidential election; however, an election tribunal is hearing opposition petitions challenging the victory of the president-elect, Reuters reports. Tinubu is scheduled to be sworn in May 29.
The DOS announced May 16 that Blinken spoke with Tinubu to express commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Nigeria relationship.
“Secretary Blinken and President-elect Tinubu discussed the importance of inclusive leadership that represents all Nigerians, continued comprehensive security cooperation, and reforms to support economic growth,” the announcement states.
Blinken reiterated that commitment in a post to Twitter, stating "We remain committed to supporting Nigerian aspirations to strengthen democracy and rule of law."
