Former Nigeria vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, has applauded the US for imposing a visa ban on Nigerians who are “undermining democracy” in the country.
In a statement on Wednesday, the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, said the actions were taken after it was observed that some persons were found complicit in undermining democracy in the recent elections in Nigeria.
The most recent elections in Nigeria were the Ekiti and Osun governorship polls.
Blinken said the bans were a show of commitment and support to strengthening democracy in Nigeria.
He also said the restrictions were not targeted at the general populace of the country or the government but aimed at curbing corruption.
Reacting in a series of tweets on Thursday, Abubakar asked other countries “to follow suit”.
“I welcome the United States visa ban on anti-democratic elements whose actions seek to undermine the 2023 elections in Nigeria,” the tweet reads.
“I encourage other established democracies to follow suit to ensure that there’s no hiding place for the enemies of our democracy.”
