Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dispelled speculation that his recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna was part of plans to form a political coalition.
The visit, which took place on Friday, sparked debate online and in political circles, particularly as it came just days after governors from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Senator Hope Uzodimma, also visited Buhari.
Addressing the rumors, Atiku clarified that the meeting was strictly a post-Sallah courtesy visit and not connected to any ongoing opposition realignment efforts.
“As the Waziri Adamawa, I was obligated to be in Adamawa during the Sallah celebrations,” Atiku wrote in a post on his official X account. “Today, I had the opportunity to pay a post-Sallah visit to His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari… It was a wonderful time with him. As usual, he cracked me up with his peculiar humour.”
Atiku was accompanied by a group of notable political figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Senator Aminu Tambuwal (former Sokoto State Governor), former Governors Achike Udenwa (Imo), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa), and former Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami.
The group also joined Friday Jummat prayers in Kaduna, further reinforcing the social and religious tone of the visit.
Speaking to journalists afterward, Atiku reiterated that while discussions about a stronger opposition front are ongoing, “this visit had nothing to do with that.”
“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 said.
His remarks come amid growing speculation about the future of Nigeria’s political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, with many Nigerians taking to social media to analyze the implications of such high-profile meetings.
