Real reason we visited Buhari -Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has given reason for Friday’s courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his Kaduna residence.

Atiku, who accompanied by a team of high-profile politicians, dispelled speculation that the visit was politically motivated, particularly in light of upcoming elections.

He stated that was purely to extend Sallah greetings to the former president.

The entourage included former governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) and Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), among other political figures.

Atiku explained he was engaged with official duties in Adamawa State during the Sallah festivities, standing in for the Lamido Fombina, HRH Dr. Muhammadu Musdafa, which delayed his visit to Buhari.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Atiku said:“We came here on a courtesy and Sallah greetings visit to President Muhammadu Buhari.”

In response to questions regarding possible talks about an opposition coalition, he acknowledged the broader political discussions underway but emphasized that such matters were not on the agenda for this visit.

“There is a plan for the major political parties to come together and form a strong opposition, but it is not part of this visit,” he clarified.

Earlier, Atiku had shared details of the meeting via his verified social media accounts, describing the time spent with Buhari as enjoyable.

He wrote:“As the Waziri Adamawa, I was obligated to be in Adamawa during the Sallah celebrations. I held forth for the Lamido Fombina (Adamawa) in some of the activities of the Sallah celebrations. Today, I had the opportunity to pay a post-Sallah visit to His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2015-2023. It was a wonderful time with him. As usual, he cracked me up (to the extent that my ribs were hurting) with his peculiar humour.”

Also present during the visit were former governors Gabriel Suswan (Benue), Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa), and Achike Udenwa (Imo), among others.

The visit stirred online debates, with many Nigerians offering varied interpretations of its political significance.

This meeting followed a similar visit to Buhari by a delegation of All Progressives Congress governors, led by Senator Hope Uzodimma, just two days earlier.