The United States of America has lately announced a visa travel ban on Nigerians who are believed to disrupt the country’s elections. In a recent primary elections, there are reported complaints of thuggery, intimidation and killings in mostly South-East Nigeria. Unlike other elections in the past, Nigeria is under close watch by the world’s overseer of democracy, the United States.

The US government has placed a ban on individuals in Nigeria who are violators of democratic principles not to enter USA.

In a recent statement by the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, a warning was given to any individual who undermines democracy in Nigeria elections. “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 subjected to these restrictions,” the statement reads in part.

Voting, bullying, thuggery, attacks on the media and judiciary are condemned by supporters and politicians in Nigeria in this year’s elections. As a bastion of democracy in the world, the United States is imposing sanctions and similar restrictions on African leaders and citizens for failing to upholding democratic values during elections.

“The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Nigeria aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law,” said Mr. Blinken.

To reinforce its message to Africa Leaders, the United States President Joe Biden promised stiffer measures to be taken against any dictator in Africa.

The United States, through a meeting with six African nations, committed US$165M to support elections and good governance in 2023. At White House, President Biden called on Africa leaders to work towards achieving peace, democracy and good governance.

Sierra Leone is among the countries whose democratic values have been shaken to the core. There have been several human rights violations and abused on the rule of law in recent past. The country is in the bad books of Western democracies, United Kingdom, France and United States. It is hoped that the glaring call by the world’s democracies would restore Sierra Leone’s lost glory as a country fastly walking on the path of democracy. Sierra Leone was ranked as the best countries in Africa that respect democratic values under the leadership of former President Ernest Bai Koroma. The ex-President recognition the world as a “true democrat” is as a result of his good work to upholding democratic principles. Africa’s largest population, Nigeria is holding its general elections on February 25th this year.

The country’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed 18 candidates to run for Presidential title bid. About 1,101 candidates will go for the 109 Senatorial seats while 3,122 candidates will race in the House of Representatives, according to popular media site INFOCUS.