Obasanjo Fulfils Promise? Gbenga Daniel Reveals US Set To Lift Atiku’s Visa Ban

The Director-General of the Atiku Presidential Campaign Orgsanisation (APCO), Gbenga Daniel has said the United States has expressed readiness to grant the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar visa.

Recall that the US allegedly blocked Atiku from entering the country following an alleged corruption scandal. The 71 year old, as a result of this, has not stepped on American soil for several years.

Recall also that a former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo had on the day he endorsed Atiku for president, promised to do all he can to ensure that the United States authorities lifts the visa ban on him.

“There are still areas, nationally and internationally, where you have to mend fences and make amends. You will know how to handle what is already out and what may yet be put out by the opposition. But, I am convinced that if you continue with the attitude that brought you here with these distinguished leaders of goodwill, with remorse and contrite heart, the rest of the coast within and outside the country can be cleared. And if there is anything I can do and you want me to do in that respect, I will do.

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, amongst others, had sharply reacted to the move, describing Obasanjo’s intervention as “legendary hypocrisy”.

“We have come across credible reports that former President Olusegun Obasanjo has made moves to secure United States entry visa for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alh. Atiku Abubakar, whose candidacy he endorsed on Thursday,” a statement by Yekini Nabena, spokesman of APC had read in party.

However, Daniel, a former Governor of Ogun State, speaking on Channels TV Politics Today, said American officials have asked Atiku to come forward so that they would grant him visa

He said, “This issue of corruption perception appears to have been overflogged.

“I remember when we were running the campaign against the primary, and everybody kept confronting us with this perception; we kept saying the thing is no more than perception. Politically-motivated perception, which unfortunately appears to have stuck. But, by and large, I think as we move towards the real issues, people will begin to understand that all this is politically motivated.

“I have repeatedly said that we’re not in a Banana Republic. Nigerians, as a people, we know our weaknesses; anything that is negative about our leaders, we are ready to believe it hook, line and sinker. Until such a time when charges are pressed, then there are no issues as far as we are concerned.

“More than anything else, if you look at newspapers in the last few days, we’ve had even statements issued by the State Department that they have no issue whatsoever with Atiku Abubakar; and if I may chip this in, I can also confirm to you that in the last few days, there have been signals from the American officials that he should indeed come forward; they want him to come so that they would grant him visa.”