Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, led a delegation of top political figures on Friday, on a courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Daura, Katsina State.
The visit, according to Atiku, was purely to extend Sallah greetings and not politically motivated.
The visit has generated interest among political observers, especially with the 2027 general elections on the horizon.
However, Atiku dismissed any suggestions that the meeting was related to ongoing talks about a possible coalition among opposition parties.
“We came here on a courtesy and Sallah greetings visit to President Muhammadu Buhari,” Atiku told journalists after the meeting.
The delegation included former governors of Kaduna and Sokoto States, Nasir El-Rufai and Aminu Tambuwal, among other notable politicians.
Atiku clarified that his delayed visit was due to his responsibilities in Adamawa State during the Sallah period.
“I couldn’t visit earlier because I was standing in for the Lamido of Adamawa, HRH Dr. Muhammadu Musdafa, in my hometown,” he explained.
While the visit has been interpreted in some quarters as a strategic political move ahead of the next election cycle, Atiku insisted it was simply a festive gesture.
“This visit has nothing to do with any political coalition or 2027. It’s about respect and goodwill during the Eid celebrations,” he added.
