‘Election Rigging’! Oshiomhole, Bello, Two Other Eminent APC Chieftains Banned From Entering U.S

The United States Department of State has restricted some members of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) from obtaining a US travel visa for allegedly undermining the democratic process in Nigeria.

BIGPEN understands that among those banned from getting a US travel visa, were the former national chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello and Kaduna state governor, Malam El-rufai whose visa ban was extended. El-rufai was reportedly banned since 2010 over alleged graft case hanging on his neck.

The USDOS, had in a statement on its website, said the additional visa restrictions are on individuals for their actions surrounding the November 2019 Kogi and Bayelsa State elections and in the run up to the September and October 2020 Edo and Ondo State elections.

The department made the announcement on Monday.

According to US officials, more Nigerian politicians may be included on the visa ban list after the Edo governorship election if they are involved in electoral malpractice.

Those affected by the latest visa ban have received notification by email and or text messages, it was learnt.

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A statement by a spokesperson for the Department of State, Morgan Ortagus, on Monday said those issued visa bans received the sanction for undermining democracy in Nigeria.

It reads, “In July 2019, we announced the imposition of visa restrictions on Nigerians who undermined the February and March 2019 elections. Today, the Secretary of State is imposing additional visa restrictions on individuals for their actions surrounding the November 2019 Kogi and Bayelsa states elections and in the run up to the September and October 2020 Edo and Ondo states elections.

“These individuals have so far operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and have undermined democratic principles.

“The Department of State emphasises that the actions announced today are specific to certain individuals and not directed at the Nigerian people. This decision reflects the Department of State’s commitment to working with the Nigerian Government to realise its expressed commitment to end corruption and strengthen democracy, accountability, and respect for human rights.”