The United States has taken measures to restrict the entry of certain individuals from Nigeria who have been found to undermine the democratic process during the country's 2023 election cycle, according to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
In a statement, Blinken highlighted that these individuals have engaged in activities such as voter intimidation, threats, physical violence, manipulation of vote results, and other actions that undermine the democratic process in Nigeria.
No further details regarding the individuals affected by the visa restrictions were provided by the U.S. authorities.
This move represents the latest in a series of visa restrictions imposed on Nigerian individuals in recent years by the United States.
Nigeria's election tribunal was scheduled to commence hearings this month to address opposition petitions contesting the victory of president-elect Bola Tinubu in the disputed February presidential election, as documented in court records.
President-elect Tinubu, who represents the ruling All Progressives Congress party, emerged victorious over his closest rivals Atiku Abubakar of the People's Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party. However, both Atiku and Obi have raised allegations of fraud and have initiated a legal challenge.
Atiku and Obi are seeking the tribunal to invalidate Tinubu's victory, citing irregularities and other criticisms. Tinubu, slated to be inaugurated on May 29, maintains that he won the election fairly and has called for the dismissal of the petitions.
