The United States of America has reportedly alledged that Nigerians 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,
U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a statement said on Monday that during the African nation’s 2023 election cycle, an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) sort out Permanent Voters cards (PVC) of voters at a ward in Lagos on January 12, 2023 ahead of February 25 presidential election.
Blinken, in reaction quickly announced visa ban on individuals ‘undermining’ Nigeria’s election.
Cable News Network, Tuesday Reported that the action is the latest in a series of visa restrictions imposed on Nigerian individuals in recent years.
It said court records showed that Nigeria’s election tribunal this month was to begin hearing opposition petitions challenging president-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in the disputed February presidential vote.
Tinubu, who is set to be sworn in on May 29, said he won fairly and wants the petitions dismissed.
Atiku and Obi want the tribunal to invalidate Tinubu’s victory, arguing that the vote was fraught with irregularities, among other criticisms.
Recall that there have been numerous legal challenges to the outcome of previous Nigerian presidential elections, but so far none has succeeded.