The United States of America has imposed visa restrictions on individuals in Nigeria who have, in one way or the other, tampered with democratic process during the 2023 general elections.
This was made known on Monday by the Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, in a statement.
Blinken, however, clarified that the move was not targeted at Nigerians or the government.
The Secretary of State did not also name the affected individuals.
“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,” he said.
The decision, Blinken added, is in compliance with 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”.
According to the Nation, these individuals, he said, were involved in intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results and others.