Nigeria's Abubakar Ends Visa Ban Rumours With US Trip

Nigeria's main opposition candidate Atiku Abubakar has put paid to rumours that he is unable to travel to the United States because of corruption allegations, by jetting to Washington for meetings with US counterparts

Lagos, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Jan, 2019 ) :Nigeria's main opposition candidate Atiku Abubakar has put paid to rumours that he is unable to travel to the United States because of corruption allegations, by jetting to Washington for meetings with US counterparts.

The wealthy businessman, who is standing against President Muhammadu Buhari at next month's election, arrived in the US capital on Thursday night, his media team announced.

The trip, which was shrouded in secrecy, effectively ends speculation that he could not obtain travel documents or feared being arrested over the graft claims.

"Former Nigerian Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has arrived in the United States," his media team said in a short statement.

The 72-year-old Abubakar and his delegation were later seen in photographs at the airport and arriving at the Trump International Hotel, a stone's throw from the White House.

Among those travelling with him was Senate leader Bukola Saraki, who is Nigeria's third-most senior politician behind Buhari and his deputy Yemi Osinbajo.

Like Abubakar, Saraki defected from Buhari's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), after strained ties with the government.

Meetings are planned with "a high-powered, bi-partisan delegation of US congressmenwho are deeply concerned and troubled about the future of democracy in Nigeria", the statement said.