The Peoples Democratic Party has called on the international community to impose a visa ban on President Muhammadu Buhari and his family over what they claimed is his role in the rigging of the 2023 presidential elections.
This came about two days after a statement by Garba Shehu, a presidential spokesman, quoted Buhari as saying the opposition failed to win the exercise due to its non-tactical abilities.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Friday, the PDP described Buhari’s comments as “unfortunate, reckless, unpresidential conduct and subjudice”.
“Having clearly undermined democracy in Nigeria, the PDP calls on the International Community to accordingly impose sanctions including visa ban and travel restrictions on President Buhari and his family immediately after he vacates office on May 29, 2023,” the statement read.
“This demand for sanction is in line with President Buhari’s request on February 17, 2022, in Brussels, Belgium, wherein he called on the European Union (EU) to impose ‘weighty sanctions’ on those engaged in ‘unconstitutional change of governments’ as well as those influencing the ‘process and outcomes of elections’.”
While alleging that the APC rigged the election, the PDP claimed that the presidential election was marred by brazen violation of the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, INEC Regulations and Guidelines; manipulation of processes, alteration of genuine results from Polling Units and announcement of fabricated figures.
The opposition party also claimed that the election was won by its candidate, Atiku Abubakar, which is why the party is already at the tribunal with the prospects of reclaiming the mandate.
“Nigerians and the International Community are therefore appalled, horrified, and scandalized by the careless, unguarded and subjudice comment by President Buhari in which he attempted to justify the rigging of the February 25, 2023, Presidential election by the APC under his watch.
