Atiku reacts to US visa ban on Nigerians who undermine democracy

The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, said he welcomes the United States (US) visa ban on Nigerians, whose actions seek to undermine democracy in the coming elections.

Atiku made this statement on Thursday while reacting to the visa ban that the US government plans to impose on any Nigerian trying to ‘undermine democracy’ in the election.

“I welcome the United States visa ban on anti-democratic elements whose actions seek to undermine the 2023 elections in Nigeria,” Atiku said.

The presidential candidate added that he encourages other established democracies to follow suit to ensure that there are no hiding place for the enemies of Nigerian democracy.

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on Wednesday announced visa restrictions on some Nigerians accused of undermining democracy.

Blinken described the visa ban as a reflection of the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s aspiration to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law.

“We are committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world. Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process in a recent Nigerian election,” Blinken said.

“Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be found ineligible for visas to the United States under a policy to restrict visas of those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Nigeria.”

He added that the relative of sanctioned individuals, whose names he did not reveal, may also be subjected to the restriction.

Blinken also noted that individuals who also undermine the democratic process in Nigeria including in the lead-up to, during, and following Nigeria’s 2023 elections may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy.