The United States has announced visa bans on those responsible for disrupting Nigeria’s recent general elections, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken noting the US’ commitment to democracy in Nigeria and around the world.

Blinken, clarifying the scope of the visa ban, emphasized that it specifically targets certain individuals and does not extend to the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria as a whole.

This distinction underscores the intention of the United States to address and hold accountable those individuals who were involved in disrupting the recent general elections, while maintaining a cooperative and constructive relationship with the Nigerian people and government.

People who are thought to have participated in activities that weaken democracy, as specified in the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, will face limits on their eligibility for visas to enter the United States.

Despite not naming the Nigerians targeted by the latest visa ban, some Nigerians, including the contentious Lagos bus transport head, Musiliu Akinsanya, otherwise known as MC Oluomo, were filmed threatening possible voters.

Mr. Blinken stated that “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.”

The Nigerian presidential election on 25 February was said to have been marred by numerous alleged irregularities and some outbreaks of violence.

Bola Tinubu has been declared the president-elect and is set to take office on 29 May, though his two main rivals are contesting the results in court.

i-News Nigeria