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The Nigerian government's interference in the political process during the country's 2023 election cycle prompted the United States government to take action and place visa restrictions on a number of persons.
Anthony Blinken, the secretary of state, announced this in a statement on Monday that was posted on the US official website.
"Today, I'm announcing that we've taken action to impose visa restrictions on particular Nigerian citizens for subverting the democratic process during the country's 2023 election cycle."
Blinken noted that "the United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world," but he also said that the limitations on visas "are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the government of Nigeria as a whole."
Blinken said, "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."
However, no one's name has been made public as of the time this article was filed.
"These people have engaged in activities that undermine Nigeria's democratic process, such as using physical violence and threats to intimidate voters. They have also manipulated election results."
According to the US government, the decision to take action to impose visa limitations is a reflection of the US government's ongoing support for Nigeria's efforts to improve democracy and the rule of law.
