CNN
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The United States has announced visa restrictions for people believed to be “undermining the democratic process” in a recent election in Nigeria.
“These individuals will not be eligible for visas to the United States under a policy to restrict the visas of those believed to be responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Nigeria. Certain family members of such individuals may also be subject to these restrictions,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on Wednesday.
The statement did not specify the names of those people.
The US announcement comes ahead of Nigeria’s February 25 general election. Polls will determine the successor to the country’s president, Muhammadu Buhari, who is serving a final second term.
Others who “undermine the democratic process” in Nigeria, including in the lead up to, during and after the 2023 Nigerian election, may not be eligible for US visas, Blinken said.
“The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law,” he continued.
