The United States government has announced a ban on specific individuals who undermined Nigeria’s 2023 elections.

Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, released a statement about the immigration ban on Monday.

“The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world,” Blinken’s statement read in part.

“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.

“Under 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. 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.

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“The decision to take steps to impose visa restrictions reflects the continued commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to strengthen democracy and the rule of law.”

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The Presidential Election Petitions Court (PEPC) commenced hearing on the various petitions challenging the victory of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, president-elect and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the 2023 presidential election on May 8.

Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) both rejected the outcome of the election. The opposition had requested for a presidential tribunal after accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of not following the electoral guidelines.

The LP and the PDP are also presenting proof of election malpractice during the 2023 elections to the PEPC tribunal.