It was learnt that the former Vice-President appeared for an interview at the US Embassy on Tuesday in Abuja to get his visa.
The Punch learnt that Atiku would use the trip to make what was described as “political statement” ahead of the 2019 presidential election.
According to a 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, the 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.
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 The Punch 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.”
National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, who spoke with The Punch 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.”
