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U.S., U.K. May Impose Visa Bans on Nigerians Who Disrupt Vote

U.S., U.K. May Impose Visa Bans on Nigerians Who Disrupt Vote

(Bloomberg) -- The U.S. and the U.K. may impose visa bans on Nigerians who disrupt next month’s general elections.

While not backing any of the candidates or political parties, both governments said in separate emailed statements on Thursday that they support free, fair and credible elections in Africa’s most populous country of almost 200 million people.

Individuals who encourage violence during the ballot or sabotage the democratic process may face consequences including restrictions from entering both countries for themselves and family members, according to the statements.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who is seeking re-election, is facing a strong challenge from Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president and candidate of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party. More than 70 parties are contesting in the elections in oil-rich Nigeria.

To contact the reporter on this story: Anthony Osae-Brown in Lagos at aosaebrown2@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Karl Maier at kmaier2@bloomberg.net, Dulue Mbachu

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