*As Atiku visits USA after 12 years
*Arrives Washington DC at 20.20 hours
*Accompanied by Senate President, Bukola Saraki
*To meet with US govt officials, Nigerian community
The President candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the February 16 presidential election, Atiku Abubkar shocked his critics especially the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC as he arrived Washington DC today on a visit to the United States.
A statement issued by his Media Adviser, Mr. Paul Ibe and made available to Newsmen Thursday night said the former Vice President arrived at exactly 20.20 hours (14.20 hours Washington DC time).
It would be recalled that for over 12 years, Atiku was unable to visit the U.S. as American authorities had declined to issue him visa because of speculations that a secret indictment had been entered against him by the country’s authorities.
By this visit, Atiku must have crossed one of the most serious political hurdles on his path ahead of the February 16 Presidential election in Nigeria.
This may also rattle the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC which has all along taunted him for his inability to visit USA for over a decade over alleged corruption charges which Atiku had always denied.
Read also: Atiku to meet with US Chamber of Commerce while in the US
According to Paul Ibe’s statement, “Thursday morning, Atiku left Abuja accompanied by the DG of PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation and Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki for the United States. Atiku Abubakar will in the course of his trip hold meeting with US government officials, the business community and the Nigerian community. He returns to the country on Saturday.”
The former Vice President’s visa appears to have come through the intervention of his former boss, Olusegun Obasanjo with whom he recently settled decade-old dispute ahead of the 2019 elections.
The former President whose contributions made it possible for President Muhammadu Buhari to win the 2015 presidential election now wants him (Buhari) out of office after accusing him of displaying incompetence in the face of myriads issues confronting the country.
It was gathered that Atiku Abubakar received a U.S. visa last December.
However, the ruling APC warned the U.S. government against granting him visa, saying it could tip the outcome of the upcoming presidential elections.
