Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has applied for a visa to enable him to visit the United States, our correspondent learnt on Thursday.

It was learnt that the former Vice-President appeared for an interview at the US Embassy on Tuesday in Abuja.

Our correspondent learnt that Atiku would use the trip to make what was described as “political statement” ahead of the 2019 presidential election.

According to our source, those planning the trip with the former VP are out to use it to address some US congress caucuses, as well as a high ranking official in the Donald Trump administration.

However, our source could not confirm if Atiku would also use the opportunity to address the entire congress if he makes the visit.

The source said, “I can authoritatively tell you that Atiku Abubakar went to the US Embassy on Tuesday for an interview and there is hope that he will get it (visa).

“When he gets it, we will use it to make a political statement. This is because those saying he can’t travel to the US will be shamed.

“Apart from that, the trip will be used to sell his candidature and that of the PDP to the entire world. So, let us wait and see what will happen. The PDP and Atiku are ready for the 2019 race.

Reacting to the development, the Federal Government warned the US to be cautious about granting Atiku a visa now.

It said this was necessary in order not to create the impression that the PDP candidate had been endorsed by America for the 2019 election.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, gave the government position at an interactive session with journalists in Abuja on Thursday.

Mohammed, who spoke in his office, said the government was aware of the move by the ex-VP to allegedly lobby the US to lift the visa ban imposed on him.

He said, “We understand and appreciate the fact that it is the prerogative of the US to grant a visa to anyone who applies.

“However, we want the US to be neutral and be wary of taking any decision that will give the impression that they are favouring or endorsing one candidate over the other.

“An impression must not be created that the US government is endorsing one particular candidate over the other.”

The minister alleged that for years, there had been a kind of congressional bi-partisan investigation into the corruption (allegations) against certain individuals, which had made it difficult for Atiku to secure a US visa.

He said, “I am sure you will all recall the Jefferson’s case and the cold $90,000 in a fridge.”

Speaking on security, the minister insisted that despite the recent setback brought about by attacks on the military, Boko Haram had been largely decimated.

On the arrest of Deji Adeyanju, convener of Concerned Nigerians by the police, the minister said “being an activist or in the opposition does not protect anyone from arrest and prosecution’’.

He said the case had been charged to court and it would be prejudicial to make further comments on it.

Meanwhile, the PDP has alleged that the All Progressives Congress “is already jittery because of the calamity that will soon befall them”.

National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, who spoke with our correspondent on Atiku’s application for a US visa, asked the APC and FG to be ready to accept defeat in the February presidential election.

He said, “What is their own in the visa that they are calling on the authorities of another country not to grant a private citizen?

“The fact is that the APC government has failed. They are already jittery. They know that the game is up and that’s why they have been running from pillar to post.

“Tell them that their days of deceit are over. Nigerians are tired of them and they can no longer lie or take the people for a ride anymore.”

https://all-gists..com/2018/11/pdp-kicks-as-fg-cautions-us-against-granting-atiku-visa-now.html

Good

A very big political statement.

Lets see what APC will use to campaign again against Atiku

By the way, why is Lai Muhammed crying like an idiot because Atiku is going to America ?

I thought the lying bastard said Atiku can't enter USA

Trump when the Lifeless puts a call through trying to lobby him to deny Atiku Visa. APCs own yaff finish. Lol.

USA want to block their only means of campaign against Atiku







We are watching

NaijaRoyalty:
Good

Lets see what APC will use to campaign again against Atiku

They will be like

Atiku used 400million dollar to buy USA visa

These people cannot shock me anymore. Someone that borrow to buy his ticket only for his unemployed son to crash his multi million naira powerbike toy. I am the right person to talk to as far as powerbank for your laptop, Phones and LED TV is concerned. See my signature below and recommend. Thanks

This country sef

atiku: i wan quickly go America go clear my name.
buhari: u no fit run go anywhere, u must witness ur defeat.

Kingwizzy16:





They will be like

Atiku used 400million dollar to buy USA visa

APC Lol

"...I can authoritatively tell you that Atiku Abubakar went to the US Embassy on Tuesday for an interview and there is hope that he will get it (visa)".

No be immediately dem dey grant or deny visa again? Today na Friday no be so?

If its possible for APC,they will seize the air,and give it to only their members

Atiku issa goooooaaaaallllll

If Atiku really have a corruption charge to answer in the US, let him not allow his political ambition and the quest to prove people wrong make him enter US, it might just be a set-up to grab him...

The embarrassment would be worse than losing an election

Dude doesn't need to go to america to prove anything

THIS APC GOVERNMENT IS CURSED AND BAPTIZED WITH FAILURE, LIE AS WELL AS FOOLISHNESS

PDP and lies, was it not the same Gbenga Daniel that said sometimes last month on channels tv that Atiku told him to get a US visa for him but that he wasxnot going to travel.

Was not Doyin Okupe that said early this month that Atiku will be travelling to US on or before November ending and today is last day of November.

No truth in these people that wants to rule Nigeria again. Atiku can not visit US for now unless he becomes a president and with immunity he can visit for UN function.

Atiku visiting America as a former vice president knowing fully well that corruption cases is hanging over his head there, and conviction of his complices over there in US like his wife Jennifer Atiku and William Jefferson and others in Italy and France is like Atiku committing suicide.

We'll keep hearing i have applied for my US visa i will go to US till thou Kingdom come, and he'll never go for now unless he becomes a president. It is called motion without movement. I will and i will.

Bobo Juice abeg next story Atiku and PDP are scam end of discussion!

Childish people in APC will not stop being foolish.

When will Atiku travel to USA?

Atiku really messed up..If truly he is a kind heartily person he shouldn't have involved himself with a dirty deal with Jefferson William.Atiku is not a honest person.l don't trust him..

Good one!!!

Apc don't want issue based campaign.

Meanwhile, The identity of the man in Aso Rock must be clarified.

Is he Jubrin? Please tell Nigerians.

Even if granted visa, Atiku will not set foot in the US.

Who is he trying to deceive?

APC is filled with illiterates and hypocrites. When they were openly flirting with the Obama administration, it was okay. Obama worked for APC against Jonathan and I didn't hear Lai Mohammed complain. Anybody still supporting APC is a brainless fool.

9japrof:
If Atiku really have a corruption charge to answer in the US, let him not allow his political ambition and the quest to prove people wrong make him enter US, it might just be a set-up to grab him...

The embarrassment would be worse than losing an election

Dude doesn't need to go to america to prove anything

I hope he goes so the FBI will arrest him

APC evil party full of rogues..

Can this be true

Is really a shame ..for a presidential candidates ..

All this talk about visit USA,wait o is Atiku from USA or is he going to govern America?

How can APC be crying more than the bereaved? Having leg on the throttle and at same time on the braking pedal could damage the engine.

Atiku the loser.
The thief.
The rogue.
The CRIMINAL

Because trump called him lifeless, he knows Atiku is a better option to developed minds.

I wonder when Lai becomes special adviser to US on visa affairs