Reuters
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The United States has restricted the entry of more Nigerians for undermining democratic processes during the African country's 2023 elections, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday.
“These individuals have engaged in intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, manipulation of vote results, and other activities that undermine Nigeria’s democratic process,” Blinken said in a statement.
No further details were provided.
The move is the latest in a series of visa restrictions imposed on Nigerian individuals in recent years.
Nigeria's electoral tribunal was scheduled this month to begin hearing petitions from opposition parties challenging President-elect Bola Tinubu's victory in the disputed February presidential vote, court records show.
Tinubu, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, has been accused of fraud by his closest rivals, Atiku Abubakar of the People's Democratic Party and the Labor Party's He defeated Rep. Peter Obi and took the case to court.
Atiku and Obi want the tribunal to nullify Tinubu's victory, claiming the vote was riddled with irregularities, among other criticisms. Tinubu, who is due to take office on May 29, said he won fairly and wanted the petition dismissed.
There have been numerous legal challenges to the results of previous Nigerian presidential elections, but none have been successful.