The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar on Friday held a crucial meeting with officials of the United States State Department following security reports of an imminent terrorist attack on Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.
Recall that the United States Embassy in Nigeria had issued a warning about an increased risk of terrorist attacks in the country’s capital, Abuja.
According to Vanguard, those familiar with what was discussed at the Friday’s meeting said it focused primarily on enhancing security and other mutually beneficial cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
Apart from security, other issues discussed include the upcoming 2023 general elections as well as democracy.
Atiku who was accompanied by key officials of his campaign team met with the Assistant Secretary, States Department, Bureau of African Affairs, Molly Phee.
A source in Atiku’s camp who is also currently in Washington on Saturday said, “the meeting last night with officials of the States Department could not have come at a better time with the terrorist threat alert by the U.S. UK and Canada and the withdrawal of its nonessential staff by the U.S Embassy in Nigeria.”
Also, in a press statement signed by Atiku’s Media Adviser, Mr. Paul Ibe, on Saturday, the Atiku team said, “the focus of discussions was on the critical need to seek collaborative solutions to our local issues on democracy and governance, our deteriorating security and the economy.
“Most importantly, the meeting 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.”
