The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to a visa ban the United States Government plans to put on any Nigerian trying to ‘undermine democracy’ in 2023.
The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken on Wednesday, said that some individuals have already been banned adding that they would be ineligible for the US visa.
He stated, “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.”
“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.”
“Certain family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions. Additional persons who 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.”
Reacting to the development on Thursday morning, Atiku stated; “I welcome the United States visa ban on anti-democratic elements whose actions seek to undermine the 2023 elections in Nigeria.”
“I encourage other established democracies to follow suit to ensure that there’s no hiding place for the enemies of our democracy.”