Atiku Commends US Over Visa Ban On Election Riggers

Following the Visa restrictions imposed on some Nigerians by the United States, the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has commended the US government.

Recall that a visa ban was placed on election riggers accused of undermining democracy, in a statement by the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on Wednesday.

Although Blinken did not reveal the identities of those targeted, he said that some family members of those barred from the US may be subjected to the same restriction.

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.

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“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 ban via his Twitter handle on Wednesday, Atiku urged other “established democracies” to join the US in placing a visa ban on election riggers in Nigeria.

He wrote, “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.”