Atiku In US Seeks Support For Security, Economy, Elections In Nigeria

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar on Friday, held a meeting with officials of the United States Department’s Bureau of African Affairs to seek collaboration in tackling the challenges of insecurity, economy and ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria.

In a tweet on Saturday morning, Atiku said the meeting which was led by Molly Phee, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, focused on identifying critical solutions to governance and security issues especially as they affect the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.

Atiku also disclosed that he and other members of the delegation secured commitments to support for free and fair elections in Nigeria with a view to introducing “sanction policy” to deter actions of anti-democratic forces in the country.

“Yesterday, at the meeting at the State Department led by Molly Phee, Assistant Secretary—Bureau of African Affairs, the focus of our discussions were on the critical need to seek collaborative solutions to our local issues on democracy and governance, our deteriorating security and the economy,” @atiku tweeted.

“Most importantly, we secured commitments to support for free and fair elections in Nigeria, an announcement of a sanction policy before the elections to deter anti-democratic forces and commitments for continued partnership with Nigeria in areas of security and development,” he added.

The former Vice President of Nigeria arrived Washington DC, United States on Thursday on a working visit, his media aide, Paul Ibe said.

Ibe in a statement released on Friday, said the visit will afford the PDP presidential candidate the opportunity of high-level engagements aimed at setting the pace for building an economically stronger and more secure Nigeria.

“Atiku will be in the US for a week-long engagement that will be an opportunity for the frontline presidential candidate to share his vision for Nigeria with US business communities and young Nigerian professionals in North America.

“The delegation of the former Vice President comprise senior members of the PDP presidential campaign council, personal aides and other members of the PDP.

“Those in the official delegation include the Director-General of the PDP presidential campaign council and governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, former governor of Imo, Emeka Ihedioha and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives,  Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, among others,” the statement added.