Atiku Reacts To U.S, UK’s Threat Of Visa Ban For Politicians Involved In Electoral Fraud

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to Thursday’s threats by the United States of America and the United Kingdom to impose visa ban on politicians or anyone caught engaging in electoral fraud in the coming general elections.

The governments of both countries have said they would be watching the 2019 elections closely to see politicians who would encourage or use violence to influence the elections either on social media or via other methods.

The U.S was quoted to have said in a communiqué yesterday: “We, and other democratic nations, will be paying close attention to actions of individuals who interfere in the democratic process or instigate violence against the civilian population before, during, or after the elections.”

On its part, the UK said, “We would like to remind all Nigerians that where the UK is aware of such attempts, this may have consequences for individuals. These could include their eligibility to travel to the UK, their ability to access UK based funds or lead to prosecution under international law.”

Reacting to the warnings by both countries, Atiku, in a statement by his media Phrank Shaibu, welcomed the development and pledged his commitment to free and fair elections in the country.

“The threat of the visa ban is a welcome development. We have been advocating a free and fair contest where the people’s votes will count. It is the government of the day that has been jittery and their subterranean moves are in the public space.

“This election is a referendum on the performance of the incumbent and you do need the services of a clairvoyant to hazard a guess as to what the outcome will be,” said the PDP presidential candidate.